Louis Bamberger

Starred review from June 15, 2016

Forgosh's (executive director, Jewish Historical Soc. of New Jersey) captivating biography of Louis Bamberger (1855-1944), department store magnate, multimillionaire, philanthropist, and prominent citizen of Newark, NJ, explores Bamberger's business successes and visionary genius in enriching the lives of his Newark employees and many others. Bamberger is credited with multiple merchandising firsts for his Bamberger's stores, such as innovative promotional uses of window and in-store displays, in-house radio stations and newsletters and magazines. His philanthropic legacy is as noteworthy as his business acumen. Bamberger used his vast fortune to help establish the Newark YM-YWHA, Newark Beth Israel Hospital, and the Newark Museum. With his sister Caroline Fuld, he purchased cherry trees for Newark's Branch Brook Park and donated $5 million for the creation of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. Bamberger, who was of German Jewish descent, also supported many Jewish organizations, and during World War II gave generously to assist with the escape of Jews from Germany. VERDICT This biography is the first comprehensive examination of Bamberger's life, and it is long overdue.--Caroline Geck, Camden Street Sch. Lib., Newark, NJ

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