Robert Morris's folly : the architectural and financial failures of an American founder Ryan K. Smith

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Smith, Ryan K.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Morris, Robert, 1734-1806--Finance, Personal.

Morris, Robert.

Morris, Robert, 1734-1806--Homes and haunts--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia.

Founding Fathers of the United States--Finance, Personal.

Founding Fathers of the United States.

Founding Fathers of the United States--Homes and haunts--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia.

Physical Description:

346 pages : illustrations, map ; 25 cm

Place of Publication:

New Haven : Yale University Press, [2014]

Summary:

"In 1798 Robert Morris-"financier of the American Revolution," confidant of George Washington, former U.S. senator-plunged from the peaks of wealth and prestige into debtors' prison and public contempt. How could one of the richest men in the United States, one of only two Founders who signed the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution, suffer such a downfall? This book examines for the first time the fabulously extravagant Philadelphia townhouse Robert Morris built and its role in bringing about his ruin. Part biography, part architectural history, the book recounts Morris's wild successes as a merchant, his recklessness as a land speculator, and his unrestrained passion in building his palatial, doomed mansion, once hailed as the grandest and most expensive private building in the United States but later known as "Morris's Folly." Setting Morris's tale in the context of the nation's founding, this volume refocuses attention on an essential yet nearly forgotten American figure while also illuminating the origins of America's ongoing, ambivalent attitudes toward the superwealthy and their sensational excesses"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

His capital

His family

His plans

His house

His architect

His folly

His entreaties

His ruins

His release.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 231-335) and index.

Local Notes:

HSP credit line -- Graphics: 1)Portrait, Robert Morris by Bass Otis and Thomas Sully, 1824 (DAMS 9842), Phillip Wallace photographic negatives [V45], page 5; 2) Cartoon, "What ye think of Congress Now, A View of Congress on the Road to Philadelphia" (DAMS 1476), [Ba 612 W556], page 19; 3) Watercolor, "Residence of Washington in High Street" by William L. Breton (DAMS 9843), [Bb 862 B756 9], page 28; 4)Watercolor, "Robert Morris' Seat on Schuylkill" (DAMS 9844), [Bd 61 P28], page 46; 5) Plan of lots divided on Robert Morris' Chestnut Street block, May 11, 1801 (DAMS 9845), Reed and Forde papers [0541], box 24, page 188; 6) Promissory note, Robert Morris to John Nicholson, June 2, 1795 (DAMS 10284), Society Small collection [0250B], box 24, folder 19, page 112; 7)Portrait, Robert Morris by Gilbert Stuart (DAMS 10277), Society Portrait collection [V88], page 114; 8) Portrait, Mrs. Robert [Mary] Morris by Gilbert Stuart (DAMS 10279), Society Portrait collection [V88], page 114.

ISBN:

9780300196047 (hardback)

0300196040 (hardback)

OCLC:

862098358