I read every letter Claude Monet wrote to his art dealer, Paul Durand-Ruel. 

I was amazed to discover that without this incredibly talented salesman, determined visionary, heart-pounding risk-taker, and trusted friend, there might not be a Claude Monet as we know it. 

How Paul Durand-Ruel saved Claude Monet and the Impressionism painters of Europe in the 1880s. 

"Without Durand, we would have died of starvation, all of us the impressionists. We owe him everything,’

‘He persisted, persevered, he risked bankruptcy twenty times over to support us. The critics dragged us through the mud; but for him it was even worse! They used to write: these people are mad, but there is someone madder than them, the dealer who buys their work!"     - Claude Monet 

summary

This conversation explores the relationship between artist Claude Monet and art dealer Paul Durant-Ruel through a series of letters written by Monet. The letters reveal the financial struggles and constant need for support that Monet faced, as well as Durant-Ruel's innovative methods as an art dealer. The turning point came in 1886 when Durant-Ruel held an exhibition in New York City, introducing Monet and the Impressionist painters to American art collectors. This exhibition saved Durant-Ruel's business and propelled the success of Monet and the Impressionists. The letters provide a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of these two individuals in the art world.

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https://atticcapital.com/claude-monet/

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It took an entire team of coin collecting experts over one hundred years to solve the mystery of the 1804 Draped Bust silver dollar. 

Why were they so rare? 

Who created them? Why? And when? 

How was anyone able to acquire such rare coins? 

We uncover the real story of, "The King of American Coins," the 1804 silver dollar, with the help of an amazing book titled, "The Rare Silver Dollars Dated 1804 and the Exciting Adventures of Edmund Roberts," written by the legendary coin expert, Q. David Bowers. 

summary

The episode explores the history and mystery surrounding the 1804 silver dollar, one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world. The conversation highlights the importance of coin collecting as a hobby and the fascinating stories of collectors who acquired these coins. The episode also mentions the book 'The Rare Silver Dollars Dated 1804 and the Exciting Adventures of Edmund Roberts' by Q. David Bowers, which provides a comprehensive history of the 1804 silver dollars.

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https://atticcapital.com/silver-dollars/

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The journey to create the first automobile to be manufactured and sold to the public was full of setbacks, challenges, disappointment, and heartache. 

But Karl Benz persevered with a, "youthful drive, strong will to live, and confidence in himself." 

Along with an education from one of the great engineering masters of our time, Karl Benz was also blessed with discovering, "the foundation of his life's happiness." His wife, Bertha Benz. 

Karl wrote about meeting his wife, Bertha, 

"It was like a second mainspring for my creative drives, giving me constantly renewing source of energy with which to overcome frustrating obstacles." 

The amazing creators story of Karl Benz will give you a new perspective on dedication, hard work, and commitment. 

"Anyone who has had to make his own way, as I have, working since he was a little boy, has a more natural understanding for the joys and sorrows of a working man than do others, who know of want and anxiety among the poorer classes only from hearsay. Meeting fidelity with fidelity has always been a cardinal principle of life for me.”
- Karl Benz, on his 80th Birthday, November 25th, 1924

(From the amazing book, 'From Engines to Autos," first published in 1960, by Friedrich Schilberger, Eugen Diesel, and Gustav Goldbeck)

summary

This conversation explores the life and achievements of Carl Benz, the inventor of the automobile and founder of Mercedes-Benz. It delves into his journey to create the Benz patented motor wagon, the challenges he faced, and his unwavering optimism and determination. The conversation highlights the importance of partnerships, the role of Bertha Benz, and the skepticism and disbelief Benz encountered from the public. Despite the obstacles, Benz's perseverance led to the success of his company and the revolution of the automotive industry.

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https://atticcapital.com/mercedes-benz/

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Ty Cobb becomes larger than life on the baseball field, and James Buchanan Duke rises to the top of the tobacco industry leading his American Tobacco Company to dominate the market.

These two forces collide to create one of the most valuable baseball cards of all time. The T-206 Ty Cobb tobacco card. 

Books - 

'Ty Cobb, A Terrible Beauty' by Author Charles Leerhsen

'The Dukes of Durham' by Robert Franklin Durden

"TYRUS RAYMOND COBB WAS THE greatest hitter of them all, his .366 lifetime average over twenty-three and a half seasons still the highest ever recorded. This achievement is not traceable simply to superior hand eye coordination; what it shows most vividly is that Cobb understood how to hit in his particular baseball moment, just as Adrian Anson and George Herman Ruth, the offensive stars who bracketed him historically, understood (or intuited) how best to approach the discouraging art in theirs."  
"His bag of tricks contained actual tricks. Cobb sometimes slid into second, howled in pain, asked for time, limped around, winced, howled some more and then lit out for third on the very next pitch. More central to his maddening running style, though, were his powers of observation, which could be employed from a stationary position."   -Charles Leerhsen, Ty Cobb: A Terrible Beauty

summary

This conversation explores the lives of James Buchanan Duke and Ty Cobb, two larger-than-life figures in their respective fields. Duke rose to the top of the tobacco industry through sharp business practices, while Cobb became the greatest baseball player of his time through his relentless drive and feistiness. The conversation delves into their backgrounds, their rise to success, and the controversies surrounding them. It also highlights the creation of the T206 Ty Cobb baseball cards, which have become some of the most valuable sports cards in the world. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the theme of survival of the fittest and the determination to succeed no matter the cost.

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https://atticcapital.com/ty-cobb/

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You may have heard the name, ‘Pagani’ and thought, “What’s the big deal? Why are Pagani cars so expensive?” Mostly, it’s the people who have never actually seen a Pagani who wonder why they cost so much.

Once you see a Pagani, it all begins to make sense.

But then you start to learn about the car, the brand, the founder, and the countless details. It sucks you in deeper. Now you begin to realize this is a supercar brand that’s unlike any other.

The greatest supercar brand in the world. Pagani.

But how did they get their start? You must go back to the Pagani Zonda C12, and you'll begin to piece together just exactly how this incredible company was formed.

I read a few amazing books on the subject, and a few great interviews from Horacio himself -

Book - 'Pagani. Hypercars D'autore. Ediz. Italiana E Inglese' by Daniele Buzzonetti

Book - 'Fangio: The Life Behind the Legend' by Gerald Donaldson

Interview - Drive Experience 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWYKfdedg0Y
 
Interview - W Executive  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaMdycD9vD8

summary

Horatio Pagani, the founder of Pagani Automobili, had a passion for cars and art from a young age. He started his career in Argentina, building model cars and designing vehicles. He eventually moved to Italy and worked at Lamborghini, where he gained experience and connections in the automotive industry. After facing setbacks and job loss, he decided to create his own car, the Zonda C12. With limited resources, he designed and built the car over several years, using an autoclave to create carbon composite parts. He secured a partnership with Mercedes-Benz for their V12 engine, and the Zonda became a success, establishing Pagani as a hypercar brand. Horatio's philosophy is rooted in humility, respect for other car manufacturers, and a dedication to merging art and science in his designs.

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https://atticcapital.com/pagani/

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The amazing effort to renew American coinage as documented from the book, 'Recollections of a Newspaperman,' by former Director of the United States Mint, Frank Leach, and 'Illegal Tender,' by David Tripp. 

"The even white line of his teeth peeked out as his mustaches bristled. But he was not smiling. He brought his fist down on his desk repeatedly, punctuating his sentences physically and shattering the calm of his office. Furious that his grand vision for a renaissance of American coinage was being stymied and sabotaged by a single malignant Mint employee, bitterly aware that his great goal would not be achieved the way he and Gus had envisioned it, Teddy was still determined to have his day. He would have the American public see what brilliance of design and execution could be applied even to everyday spending money. It was the very least he could do to honor Saint-Gaudens." 

- David Tripp, Illegal Tender

summary

This conversation explores the creation of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Gold Coin and the role of Frank A. Leach, the former director of the United States Mint. President Theodore Roosevelt was determined to redesign the nation's coins and enlisted the renowned artist Augustus St. Gaudens for the task. Despite initial hesitations, St. Gaudens accepted the commission and began working on the designs. The project faced obstacles, including resistance from the Mint's chief engraver, Charles Barber. However, Roosevelt's persistence and enthusiasm pushed the project forward, resulting in the creation of the highly collectible double eagle coins. The conversation explores the process of creating the Saint-Gaudens double eagle coin and the challenges faced by its designer, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The coin was initially intended to have a high relief design, but it was deemed impractical for everyday use. The relief was lowered, and the coin was eventually produced with a flattened relief. The public had mixed opinions about the coin, with some praising its beauty and others criticizing its design. The conversation also touches on the controversy surrounding the omission of the motto 'In God We Trust' on the coin and its subsequent restoration. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance and impact of the Saint-Gaudens double eagle coin.

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https://atticcapital.com/saint-gaudens-double-eagle/

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