His start in big business was with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, where his uncle served as the company's president. He showed tremendous skill and quickly ascended in the business world to become one of the most powerful businessmen in the United States.
Although he only had a high school education, Henry Huntington possessed incredible business savvy. He succeeded in almost everything he attempted, but his work in Southern California was the crown jewel.
Friedricks points out each of the major events in Henry Huntington's life, both at the personal and professional level. He discusses both Huntington's amazing contributions to Southern California and his scandalous personal life.
The book is balanced. It keeps the reader interested. It is a definite "must read" for anyone interested in the history of Southern California or the story of a major leader in the business world during the era of American industrialization.