The Great Bear

By Lester Cohen

"The Great Bear" is a compelling work of American fiction that explores the cutthroat world of the Chicago commodities market during the late 19th century. Written by Lester Cohen, this novel centers on the formidable Thane Pardway, a man whose aggressive tactics and relentless ambition earn him his titular moniker. As a master of the wheat pits, Pardway navigates a landscape defined by high-stakes speculation, volatile markets, and the pursuit of absolute financial dominance.

The narrative provides a vivid portrayal of the industrial era, capturing the raw energy and inherent cruelty of early American capitalism. Through the character of Pardway, Cohen examines the psychological complexities of a man driven by power and the isolation that often accompanies extreme success. "The Great Bear" serves as both a character study and a historical window into a transformative period of American economic history, where fortunes were made and lost in a single day's trading.

Rich in detail and dramatic tension, this work remains a significant contribution to the genre of the business novel, offering insights into the human spirit's struggle against the machinery of commerce and the consequences of unbridled greed.

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025688937
• ISBN13: 9781025688930
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.2"