Few names around the globe evoke the image of great wealth, influence and power as forcefully as the name, Rothschild. And yet to understand the patriarch Mayer Rothschild's remarkable beginnings brings an entirely new definition to the idea of "rags to riches."

Born in the walled section of Frankfurt, Germany, known as the Judengasse (ghetto) in 1744, Mayer Rothschild (translated: Red Shield) began learning early in life of oppression of Jews. Frankfurt, one of the worst cities in all of Europe in its treatment of Jews, locked the residents of the ghetto into their walled city each night and on Sundays.

Unable as a Jew to work in certain trades or to own property, Mayer's father became a money changer. This was an important job since every prince had his own currency. Mayer became fascinated with coins and at age 13 became an apprentice with a local banker. At the age of 25 Mayer gained the appointment as a court agent for a prince.

His wife, Guttle, bore him 10 children to fill the already cramped ghetto house. As his five sons, Anselm, Nathan, Jacob, Salomon and Calmann became of age, each joined their father in the currency business. Mayer's business endeavors became so successful that he was considered one of Europe's wealthiest men. Eventually, each son would leave their home in the ghetto and fan out to the other major capitals of Europe to start new banking businesses. Mayer and his wife however, would remain living in their ghetto flat until their death.

Concerned for the future of the family businesses Mayer, in his will, set forth a strict patrilineal standard by proclaiming that only sons could own and manage the family banks. Equal rights for women was an oxymoron during Mayer's day, and still today, the Rothschild women are confined to second class status in the family businesses.

Much has been written about the Rothschild family including several autobiographies. However, until publication of Founder, little attention had focused on the proud father and his life; but with this highly readable 170 page book, the patriarch of the dynasty can assume his rightful place in business history.

Now, with the recent sensational suicide of the sixth generation heir, Amschel Rothschild (found hanging from the towel rack in the bathroom of his suite at the Bristol Hotel, Paris), more is sure to come.