The Nitrate King : A Biography of “Colonel” John Thomas North

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.