Fur, Fortune, and Empire

In Fur, Fortune, and Empire, best-selling author Eric Jay Dolin delivers a sweeping history of the American fur trade, tracing its origins from the early 1600s through to the late 19th century. He explores how this industry, driven by fashion demands, ignited controversies, spurred economic competition, and influenced conflicts among European powers in North America. The narrative highlights the profound impact of fur trading on the exploration and settlement of the continent, as well as its effects on Native American communities, featuring notable historical figures like Peter Stuyvesant, Thomas Jefferson, and John Jacob Astor. This book stands as the most comprehensive account of the American fur trade ever penned.