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 Front Matter....Pages i-xxxi Introduction....Pages 1-6 We Had Adventures of All Sorts....Pages 7-14 I Was Better Acquainted Than Any Other Foreigner....Pages 15-23 Don Juan Tomás North....Pages 25-36 The Nitrate King....Pages 37-57 The Grand Promotion Army....Pages 59-74 Colonel North....Pages 75-96 The Sensation of the Hour....Pages 97-105 A Visit to the Nitrate Kingdom....Pages 107-127 A Millionaire Stripped Bare....Pages 129-139 Epilogue: I Have Enjoyed Myself Thoroughly....Pages 141-142 Back Matter....Pages 143-186