Book cover of Wedgwood: The First Tycoon

Book description

A definitive portrait of the pioneering entrepreneur describes how Josiah Wedgwood rose from the scion of a family of struggling potters to become one of the world's wealthiest and most powerful men during the eighteenth century and explains how he revolutionized the business model of his time with innovations that…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Wedgwood as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Josiah Wedgwood (1730-95) was a pioneer in the many non-steam-engine aspects of the Industrial Revolution.

Descended from a long line of low-end potters, Wedgwood specialized in design, then joined the high-quality pottery of Thomas Whieldon before in 1759 setting up his own business in pottery. Wedgwood was an excellent chemist, discovering several new glazes that revolutionized the pottery business.

He was also a superlative marketer, using a sale to Queen Charlotte to market “Queen’s Ware,” marketing “Etruscan” pottery with a specialized glaze to fulfil a mania for Etruscan art following new discoveries and opening a London showroom to attract wealthy…

From Martin's list on industrial revolutionaries.

If you love Wedgwood...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Wedgwood?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 7 books like Wedgwood.

Browse books like Wedgwood

Book cover of The Lunar Men: A Story of Science, Art, Invention and Passion
Book cover of Men of Iron
Book cover of James Brindley: The First Canal Builder

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Wedgwood, you might also like...

Book cover of Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS

Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS by Amy Carney,

When I was writing this book, several of my friends jokingly called it the Nazi baby book, with one insisting it would make a great title. Nazi Babies – admittedly, that is a catchy title, but that’s not exactly what my book is about. SS babies would be slightly more…

Book cover of A Forgivable Indecision

A Forgivable Indecision by Shawn Jennings,

In 1913, a 15-year-old pregnant girl was found dead of apparent suicide. Dr. James Wilson, a new graduate and the first doctor ever to start a practice in this rural town, feels guilty over her death because of his delayed intervention.

He knows Bessie was raped by one of her…

4 book lists we think you will like!