The Rise of the Entrepreneur: Businessmen, Capitalists, and Innovators in the 19th Century explores the transformative period of the 19th century, where entrepreneurship and innovation reshaped industries, economies, and societies across the globe. This book delves into the lives and careers of key figures like Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, Thomas Edison, and Elizabeth Arden, among others, who became symbols of the rapidly growing capitalist economy.

Through in-depth analysis, Oliver Shaw examines the pivotal moments that defined these entrepreneurs' journeys—from the industrial revolution's technological advancements to the creation of monopolistic empires—and how they leveraged their innovation and business acumen to revolutionize industries such as oil, steel, railroads, and consumer goods.

In addition to exploring their successes, Shaw highlights the social, political, and ethical challenges these entrepreneurs faced, including the exploitation of workers, the rise of monopolies, and the tension between profit and public welfare. The book also addresses how their legacies contributed to the foundations of modern capitalism, shaping the future of business and labor relations.

The Rise of the Entrepreneur serves as both a historical overview and a thought-provoking critique of 19th-century capitalism, offering readers insight into the complex relationship between business innovation, personal ambition, and the broader societal impact. Through these compelling narratives, Shaw provides a deep understanding of how the entrepreneurial spirit defined an era, laying the groundwork for the modern capitalist world.