George Fabyan: The Tycoon Who Broke Ciphers, Ended Wars, Manipulated Sound, Built a Levitation Machine, and Organized the Modern Research Center

by Richard Munson

The rich are different, but George Fabyan was unique among millionaires. This Gilded Age tycoon sponsored and inspired a "community of thinkers" who changed how we wage wars and keep secrets, how we transmit sound and design buildings, and how we stimulate scientific advances. Fabyan created perhaps the first independent research center, laid the foundation for the top-secret National Security Agency, and even helped end World War I by breaking German codes, capturing foreign terrorists, and developing more effective trench mortars.

Genres: Biography, History

190 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2013

About the author

Bloomsbury in June 2025 will release "Power Corrupts: Cleaning Up America's Biggest Industry," which explains the recent rise of racketeering and bribery by utilities seeking billion-dollar bailouts for dirty and uneconomic power plants.
W.W. Norton in November 2024 published "Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist."
Norton previously released "Tesla: Inventor of the Modern," a biography of the under-appreciate genius who brought us the electric motor, radio, robots, and remote control.
Other Richard Munson books include; "Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food;" "From Edison to Enron," a history of the electricity industry; "The Cardinals of Capitol Hill," a behind-the-scenes look at congressional appropriators; and "Cousteau: The Captain and His World," a biography of the undersea explorer.

In addition to writing, Munson has been a senior director for the Environmental Defense Fund, senior vice president of Recycled Energy Development, executive director of the Northeast-Midwest Institute, director of Solar Lobby and Center for Renewable Resources, co-coordinator of Sun Day, coordinator of Environmental Action Foundation, and director of the University of Michigan's Pilot Program.

Reviews

[Malcolm Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy biographies of little known -- but highly important and influential -- individuals, you will really enjoy this book. Colonel Fabyan was a bit odd, such as spending enormous sums to move a windmill, yet he also supported and inspired a brilliant cast of researchers. His community of thinkers launched cryptography in the United States and basically started the now-in-the-news National Security Agency. They focused on acoustics and designed auditoriums and created the tuning forks that allowed synchronized long distance communications. The biography includes engaging details and lots of insights into an eccentric but creative millionaire

[Anna Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating character! What a revealing biography!

Colonel Fabyan is one of those forgotten individuals who just happened to change our world. His team of researchers cracked codes, synchronized long distance communications, negotiated treaties, and caught terrorists. He also was one eccentric millionaire, rebuilding windmills and trying to prove Shakespeare's writings were really by Sir Francis Bacon.

Munson gets great kudos for identifying and highlighting this Gilded Age tycoon. He writes smoothly and offers a wealth of historical information. Really good read.

[David Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Fabayn, a Gilded Age tycoon who launched the National Security Agency, was one fascinating character. He advanced science in so many fields but also spent millions trying to provide Sir Francis Bacon wrote the plays of Shakespeare. Munson's is a well written and engaging biography.

[Ella Pederson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like biographies of little known people who had a big impact on history. George Fabyan is one such person and this biography captures both his accomplishments and quirks. This Chicago-based tycoon virtually created the top-secret National Security Agency and led U.S. cryptographic efforts during World War I. His research center, called Riverbank Laboratories, also did creative work on acoustics and genetics. In addition to such accomplishments, Fabyan also spent millions trying to build a levitation machine and prove Shakespeare was not the author of his plays. Fascinating character. Great biography.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to win this book through Goodreads First Reads because it mentioned a connection between Fabyan and the NSA. Not only did I learn about the early days of the NSA, I also learned a great deal about a period of American history that wasn't covered much in school. I was impressed by how the book used Fabyan as a focal point to outline broader themes of American history that were occurring at the time. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, science, or technology. It's well-written, easy to follow, and engaging.

[Greg Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating biography! George Fabyan is one eccentric millionaire who negotiated international treaties, caught terrorists, and manipulated sound. Why Fabyan has been ignored by authors to this point is beyond me. This book by Richard Munson, however, is entertaining and revealing, and it shines a light on early twentieth century America.

[Susan Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of George Fabyan before this fascinating biography, but the Chicago-based tycoon led early 20th century efforts on cryptography, acoustics, and science. Fabyan negotiated international treaties, launched the NSA, and created a diverse research center. The book is written well and offers insights on a fascinating and eccentric individual who should be better known.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing a copy that I received free from Goodreads Giveaways.

This was a really interesting story about American businessman George Fabyan, who was a contemporary of many more well-known folks like John D Rockefeller, but who doesn't necessarily get the credit in the history books. He seems like a pretty eccentric guy, although what millionaire isn't I suppose, and some of his quirks were definitely well outside of the norm, but his research laboratory made a lot of lasting contributions to American science and cryptography.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free via the first reads scheme.

This was an illuminating book about George Fabyan and the era that he lived in. In addition to providing details about Fabyan it also encompassed the more noteworthy members of staff he employed at Riverbank and their contributions to science.

The work was well presented, and the broad range of subjects sustained interest. Far from being entrenched in history it made compelling links to modern day life, inspiring further reading on various topics.

Overall, an interesting and enjoyable book.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful resource for understanding the man. His Villa being in my backyard, so to speak, the site of which began the careers of William and Elizebeth Friedman. Mr. Fabyan was eccentric in his approaches towards advancing questions of science.