A painstakingly and thoroughly researched biography of William O Jenkins (1878-1963) who built a business empire in Mexico and was witness to a turbulent period in Mexican history, deeply embroiled as he was in the business and politics of revolutionary and post-revolutionary times. Textiles, land speculation, sugar, banking and film – involved in all these areas he was part and parcel of the economic growth of the country. This detailed book is not just about Jenkins himself but about all the notable figures of Mexican industrialisation and politics. I can’t fault the book for being what it is, but on a personal level I found it very tedious and dense at times, and found myself bored by the business and political shenanigans which were all explored in meticulous detail. The book would be of more interest to someone more interested in the history of Mexico rather than the general reader who, like me, just wants to learn more about this pivotal figure without having to wade through all his business deals.