San Francisco author T.J. Stiles will visit Piedmont on May 15 to discuss his most recent book, “The First Tycoon—The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt.” The Pulitzer Prize winning book tells the improbable story of Vanderbilt, from his humble birth during the presidency of George Washington to his death as one of the richest men in American history—and how he helped to launch the transportation revolution, propel the Gold Rush, reshape Manhattan and invent the modern corporation.
In addition to winning the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award in 2009, “The First Tycoon” was named a New York Times Notable Book, and one of the best books of the year by The New Yorker, Boston Globe, Christian Science Monitor, SF Chronicle, Kansas City Star and the Washington Post.
The event will be held at the Piedmont Community Church from 4-6 p.m. on May 15, and will feature wine and light refreshments. Tickets are $20/person, and all funds raised will be used to support women’s scholarships and educational grants through P.E.O. Oakland/Piedmont Chapter.
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To order tickets, please contact Judy Wright at (510) 923-0967 or e-mail her at rbwright1@mac.com.