Book Report: ‘The Warburgs’ by Ron Chernow

Of Ron Chernow’s epic histories, this one doesn’t quite match the level of intrigue and narrative flow of the others. 

Playing out more like a procession of snippets rather than an overarching, Shakespearean tale on the level of Grant, Hamilton, Washington and The House of Morgan, The Warburgs is a scattered, if always fascinating, tale of a sprawling family tree largely populated by powerful and influential bankers. He focuses mainly on the men while mostly giving the women only passing mentions.

The book is at its best when tacking the Warburgs’ recurring conflicts with aspects of their German and Jewish heritage that were wrought by the devastation of both World Wars, the Holocaust and establishment of Israel. 

A more focused take on three or four Warburg prime movers might have better served Chernobyl purpose. Even though this is the author’s weakest effort, I still cherished every moment with this book.