Bond of Union - by Gerard Koeppel (Paperback)

About the Book

An absorbing tale of corruption, incompetence, delay, and political chicanery ("The Economist"), "Bond of Union" offers a landmark new history of the making of the Erie Canal and the extraordinary consequences of its completion. b&w photo insert.

Book Synopsis

In this elegantly written and far-reaching narrative, acclaimed author Gerard Koeppel tells the astonishing story of the creation of the Erie Canal and the memorable characters who turned a visionary plan into a successful venture. Koeppel's long years of research fill the pages with new findings about the construction of the canal and its enormous impact, providing a unique perspective on America's self perception as an empire destined to expand to the Pacific.

Review Quotes

"Booklist," 3/1/09
"[The Erie Canal's] economic impact--vaulting NYC over Philadelphia as the commercial capital of the U.S.--was ably recounted by business historian Peter Bernstein in Wedding of the Waters (2005); Koeppel adds greater emphasis in his narrative to the constellation of promoters and politicians who brought the canal into existence...[A] lively account."

About the Author

Gerard Koeppel is the author of Water for Gotham, Bond of Union, and City on a Grid. He has contributed to numerous other books, including the Encyclopedia of New York City, of which he was an associate editor. He was an editor for many years at CBS News. He lives in New York City.