the Reference Department at Maag Library, Youngstown State Uni-
versity, brought me material I thought well beyond my reach. Au-
drey Nagy, former supervisor of the Microforms Room at Maag
Library, made my many hours before the green screen go more
pleasantly. I am especially grateful to my able research assistant and
word-processor operator, Linda Pondillo. John Astor could not have
wished a more faithful employee.

I want to add a special note of thanks to four people. A conversa-
tion with Bill Lang early in this project both clarified its direction
and deepened my commitment. John Haeger's masterful reassess-
ment of Astor's business practices taught me much. Jim Axtell and I
have shared so much over the years that I find it hard to say thanks
in a fresh way. His thoughtful comments on each chapter were just
what the doctor ordered. My wife, Jeanne, helped me track the
Astorians as we had earlier traced Lewis and Clark. Some readers
will find her index to be the best part of this book. I could not have
asked for a better companion on the trail.

This book is dedicated to my mentor and friend Donald Jackson.
His life and work remain a daily inspiration.

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