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Money: The Unauthorized Biography of Felix Martin

Jared Powell

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Felix Martin was a German-born American financier and philanthropist who played a major role in the development of the United States financial system. He was the founder of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Express Company, and the Equitable Life Assurance Society. Martin was also a major supporter of education and the arts, and he founded the Felix Martin School of Commerce and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C.

Money: The Unauthorized Biography

by Felix Martin

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	338 pages

Martin was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1815. His father was a merchant, and his mother was the daughter of a wealthy banker. Martin attended the University of Hamburg, where he studied law and economics. After graduating, he worked for a time in his father's business. In 1842, he emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City.

Martin quickly became involved in the financial world. He worked as a broker on the New York Stock Exchange, and in 1853, he founded his own brokerage firm. Martin was a shrewd investor, and he made a fortune in the stock market. He also used his wealth to support a variety of charitable causes.

In 1864, Martin founded the American Express Company. American Express was originally a banking and express delivery company. However, it soon expanded into other areas, such as travel and insurance. Martin was the president of American Express for many years, and he helped to make it one of the most successful companies in the United States.

In 1868, Martin founded the Equitable Life Assurance Society. Equitable Life was originally a life insurance company. However, it soon expanded into other areas, such as annuities and pensions. Martin was the president of Equitable Life for many years, and he helped to make it one of the largest insurance companies in the world.

Martin was also a major supporter of education and the arts. In 1881, he founded the Felix Martin School of Commerce. The Felix Martin School of Commerce was a business school that offered courses in accounting, finance, and economics. The school was later renamed the New York University Stern School of Business.

In 1885, Martin founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library was a public library that was dedicated to the memory of the civil rights leader. The library was later renamed the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and Cultural Center.

Martin died in New York City in 1894. He was 79 years old. He was a self-made man who made a fortune in the financial world. He also used his wealth to support a variety of charitable causes. Martin was a major figure in the development of the United States financial system, and he is remembered as one of the most successful financiers of the 19th century.

Legacy

Felix Martin's legacy is still felt today. The New York Stock Exchange, the American Express Company, and the Equitable Life Assurance Society are all major financial institutions that play a vital role in the global economy. The Felix Martin School of Commerce and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library are also important institutions that continue to educate and inspire people today.

Martin was a visionary leader who made a significant contribution to the United States. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of financiers and philanthropists.

Felix Martin in Popular Culture

Felix Martin has been featured in a number of books, movies, and television shows. In the 1981 movie "The Moneychangers," Martin was played by actor Christopher Plummer. In the 1992 movie "Glengarry Glen Ross," Martin was played by actor Kevin Spacey.

Martin has also been featured in a number of television shows, including "The Sopranos," "Mad Men," and "Billions." In the "Sopranos" episode "The Happy Wanderer," Martin is mentioned by Tony Soprano as a role model for financial success.

Martin's legacy continues to inspire popular culture today. He is remembered as a successful financier and philanthropist who made a significant contribution to the United States.