The Nitrate King: A Biography of ''Colonel'' John Thomas North (Studies of the Americas)

William Edmundson examines the spectacular life story of 'Colonel' John Thomas North, also known as 'The Nitrate King,' a mechanic in Leeds who became one of the best-known and richest men of his time. Forgotten in Britain and vilified in Chile and Peru, this is the first biography of a controversial but compelling figure. The First Book-length Biography Of John Thomas North (1842-1896), Known As 'colonel North' In Britain And Throughout The World As 'the Nitrate King, ' This Book Utilizes Sources In Britain And Chile And Traces North's Spectacular Life From A Mechanic In Leeds Through His Thirteen Years In Peru And Chile Culminating In His Status As One Of The Richest And Best-known Men Of His Generation. North Is Today Almost Completely Forgotten In Britain And Remembered In Chile Only To Be Vilified As The Archetypal Predatory Capitalist. This Book Calls For A Revaluation Of North And Examines Several Controversies--principally The Enduring Allegations That North Manipulated The War Of The Pacific And The Chilean Civil War Of 1891. The Book Describes North's Business Activities; His Re-invention As Country Gentleman At Avery Hill Mansion; And His Generosity, Including The Gift Of Kirkstall Abbey To The City Of Leeds. Prologue: He Would Be Called Quiet * We Had Adventures Of All Sorts * I Was Better Acquainted Than Any Other Foreigner * Don Juan Tom̀s North * The Nitrate King * The Grand Promotion Army * Colonel North * The Sensation Of The Hour * A Visit To The Nitrate Kingdom * A Millionaire Stripped Bare * Epilogue: I Have Enjoyed Myself Thoroughly * Appendix: The North Family Tree. William Edmundson. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. This is the first book-length biography of John Thomas North (1842-1896), known as ‘Colonel North’ in Britain and throughout the world as ‘The Nitrate King’. Using sources in Britain and Chile, the book traces North’s spectacular life from mechanic in Leeds, through thirteen years in Peru and Chile, to become one of the richest and best-known men of his generation, and the first Honorary Freeman of Leeds. North is today almost completely forgotten in Britain, and remembered in Chile only to be vilified as the archetypal predatory capitalist. The book calls for a revaluation, and examines several controversies—principally the enduring allegations that North helped manipulate the War of the Pacific, and was active in triggering the Chilean Civil War of 1891. The book describes North’s business investments; his re-invention as country gentleman at Avery Hill mansion; and his generosity, including the gift of Kirkstall Abbey to the city of Leeds. Prologue: He would be called quiet * We had adventures of all sorts * I was better acquainted than any other foreigner * Don Juan Tomas North * The Nitrate King * The Grand Promotion Army * Colonel North * The sensation of the hour * A visit to the Nitrate Kingdom * A millionaire stripped bare * Epilogue: I have enjoyed myself thoroughly * Appendix: The North family tree