14814. THE ROBBER BARONS BY MATTHEW JOSEPHSON. This paper presents a review and critique of Josephson’s (1934) social history of the late 19th century emergency, impact and personal lives of a new class of super-rich businessmen known as the “robber barons”. Argues that the book is valuable as a moral critique of rampant materialism, and significant as a hidden chapter of history. KEYWORDS: 19th century industrialists railroads banking robber barons business ethics oil silver gold rush book review. Written 2003. 7 pages, 12 footnotes, 1 bibliographic source. 1,620 words.