Nantucket, stands now as one of the wealthiest counties in the United States, its early wealth fuelled by the whaling trade and the riches of the open sea lanes offshore. The Starbuck stone mansions that dominate Main Street, have become "architectural icons that would gradually become visual symbols of the prosperity of Nantucket's whaling era". This fascinating book recounts the life of their builder, Joseph Starbuck "quite possibly the island's most successful businessman", who was wildly successful in whaling, real estate and manufacturing.