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Gregory Ernest Oppenheimer Biography

Book Name: Ernest Oppenheimer Biography

Author: Gregory

published: 1962

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Sir Ernest Oppenheimer (22 May 1880 – 25 November 1957) was a diamond and gold entrepreneur financier and philanthropist, who controlled De Beers and founded the Anglo American Corporation of South Africa.

He was born in Friedberg, Germany, the son of Edward Oppenheimer, a cigar merchant. Oppenheimer began his working life at 17, when he entered Dunkelsbuhler & Company, a diamond brokerage in London. His efforts impressed his employer and in 1902, at the age of 22, he was sent to South Africa to represent the company as a buyer in Kimberley.

WHEN I WAS ORIGINALLY COMMISSIONED by the Anglo American Corporation of South Africa Limited, it was to write the history of that institution. At the time, Sir Ernest Oppenheimer was still alive and active in affairs ... he took the greatest interest in the contemplated book and I had the privilege of repeated and prolonged conversations with him: among other gifts, which Nature had bestowed on him, was that of a most retentive memory. After his lamented death, it was decided that it would be more appropriate to link the record of events, which he did so much to shape, directly with his name. Hence the present work, which owes much to him personally. I take this opportunity of paying to his memory my personal tribute of affection and respect.

Gregory Ernest Oppenheimer Biography