Gustavus Myers

Born in 1872 and active into the early 20th century, Gustavus Myers was an American journalist, historian, and social critic. He is especially remembered for The History of the Great American Fortunes, a sweeping investigation of how major fortunes were built and protected, and for other works that examined labor, politics, and the concentration of power.

Myers wrote in a direct, argumentative style meant for ordinary readers rather than specialists. His work often challenged respected institutions and wealthy interests, which made him an important voice in the broader reform-minded climate of his era.

He died in 1942, leaving behind a body of writing that still attracts readers interested in corruption, class, and the forces that shaped modern America.