Du Pont Dynasty

Book excerpt: This book looks at the powerful family behind the world's largest chemical company. The Du Ponts are one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the world. From their complex of buildings in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, they direct the workings of a vast network of interlocking companies that encompasses the world. They rule the state of Delaware as their private duchy, and they influence and control the lives of thousands of employees and millions of citizens. Here is the truly revealing story of this family, from the arrival in this country of Eleuthere Irenee du Pont, who was to found the firm that thought of itself as 'America's armorer.