A. P. Giannini: Banker of America

By Felice A. Bonadio

Book Overview

Perhaps more than any other individual, Amadeo Peter Giannini propelled California into the twentieth century. By extending credit to working people and building a vast branch-banking network, this son of Italian immigrants helped the state grow faster than any other before World War II. In this authoritative biography, Felice A. Bonadio portrays the founder of Bank of America as a bold, relentless financial visionary--keenly aware of his minority status in a business world dominated by the eastern Protestant elite.

More than an underdog success story, this is the portrait of a driven, complex man devoted to serving "the people." Fiercely protective of his bank and tireless in its defense, Giannini inspired both loyalty and opposition. He pioneered employee ownership and profit sharing; at his death in 1949, nearly 40 percent of Bank of America shares were owned by employees. Personally indifferent to great wealth, his estate was modest.

Drawing on private Federal Reserve papers, confidential Bank of America archives, and interviews with family members and executives, Bonadio offers a richly detailed account of a man whose influence endures.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520435508
• ISBN13: 9780520435506
• Release Date: September 2026
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 484 Pages
• Weight: 1.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

THE PEOPLE'S BANKER

Most people today never heard of A.P. Giannini. Yet, they can probably thank him for most of the banking services that they take for granted: consumer loans, mortgages, interstate and branch banking. Giannini brought banking to the masses. Bonadio's book chronicles the life and struggles of this man who helped build California and modernized the whole business of banking.

A lesson in tenacity and the one track mind

When people say "You have a one track mind" they mean it as an insult.After reading this book about A. P. Giannini, you'll be able to take it as a compliment. What he did for banking in America we now take for granted. It wasn't always so. He had a single minded purpose, "To give the little guy a bank who will do business with him." He was going to do that no matter what! And he did.The man was a bull dog in his accomplishments! This an excellent book about a unique man who has largely been forgotten in our day.He created the modern bank.