Samuel Bronfman: The Life and Times of Seagram's Mr. Sam

By Michael R. Marrus

Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Business & Money

Michael R. Marrus traces the life of Samuel Bronfman, who moved from his family's Manitoba hotel business into liquor distribution and in 1924 founded Distillers Corporation in Montreal, which in 1928 acquired Joseph E. Seagram and Sons. Marrus examines how Bronfman profited during Prohibition through Canadian liquor sales, mail order and medicinal alcohol rather than outright bootlegging, and how, after repeal, he marketed Seagram's whiskies as premium brands. The book also covers his long presidency of the Canadian Jewish Congress (Brandeis University Press, 1991).

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• Ryan Holiday: “In terms of 20th century business titans, Bronfman has been completely forgotten. Of all the people for it to happen to, Bronfman is least deserving as his family legacy has stood the test of time.”