Sons of the Profits or There's No Business Like Grow Business: The Seattle Story 1851-1901

I picked up this book after taking the Speidel underground tour of Seattle, Washington. The underground of Seattle does not refer to a subway; it refers to the ruins and remains of the original city of Seattle, which lies right below the current city. This underground city is unknown to many residents of Seattle, just like the history of Seattle is not as well-known as the histories of New York, LA, or Chicago for instance. This book and the tour it inspired serve to bring this history to life. Starting with the initial encounters between white explorers and Native Americans, this book traces the history of Seattle and Washington state over the last 200 years. In it we learn about the initial settlements in this area, its growth into a major trading port, industrial hub, and cosmopolitan center. The book also shows how this history was driven primarily by greed; hence the book's title. Everyone got involved, whether they were Native Americans who worked with whites to con their fellow natives out of land, or white ministers smart enough to buy up the good land, or government officials who sold licenses for the right price. One interesting story is that Seattle was named after Chief Seattle, a Native American who betrayed his tribe for land and titles. The book is quite entertaining to read as a sense of humor flows throughout the book. The author pokes fun at the motives and actions of various historical figures, shows how this person swindled that person, how all sorts of people get their comeuppance, and others get away with the everything. Overall, an enjoyable book to read.

This is one of the best history books that I've read in years. Bill Speidel's witty story telling enhances the already amusing history about the people who founded Seattle. It's nice to read a book that doesn't 'fluff' the truth about people and politics. This a defiantly a MUST READ book!! If you like this book also check out Bill Speidel's book on Doc Maynard.

I found Speidel's book to be an entertaining view of Seattle's early days and people. His geographic comparison of then and now provided me with more depth of understanding about why things are as they are, including recent events with mass transportation as well as obsessive popular referenda.

Although i got slightly bored at times by a chapter or two, I really appreciated Spiedal's irreverent take on Seattle's history. I got an honest opinion of some local heroes, and learned much about the real reasons behind Seattle's regional dominance. I found the writing style interesting and funny, and refreshingly honest.

Bill Speidel tells us how Seattle was "saved" by its seamstresses, or so they were called. But really when Tacoma got the rail deadhead, Seattle citizens thought they were doomed. However those miners and loggers needed some companionship and something to wet their whistle and Seattle was only too happy to oblige. There was a tax on these businesses and they allowed the city to thrive and prosper.Anyway the attitude of lets make a buck before anyone else figures it out is very prevalant here and explains the large software company to the East, and the coffee house just South of downtown. All in all a good read.