Alfred Escher (1819-1882)

Alfred Escher shaped the development of Switzerland as hardly anyone did before or after him. His meteoric rise to top economic and political positions, his epochal life's work and his tragic end are still fascinating today. His untiring creativity and unconditional commitment to Switzerland and the Canton of Zurich are legendary; the public polemic about his person was unprecedented. The very project with which he wrote history broke his neck: the Gotthard Railway. The eventful life story of Alfred Escher is more topical than ever. This story with its triumphs, but also its bankruptcies, thrillers and scandals is a captivating read. Whoever reads it understands 19th-century Switzerland. "And also those of the 21st who should reflect on their origins. SonntagsZeitung 'Finally a current biography. Joseph Jung bets it on Mas.