This book investigates the foundational development and expansion of Citibank from its inception in 1812 through 1970. Authors Harold van B. Cleveland and Thomas F. Huertas, drawing on extensive historical records, trace the institution's evolution from a small New York City bank to a major global financial entity. The narrative focuses on the strategic decisions, economic shifts, and regulatory environments that shaped its growth over more than a century and a half.

This comprehensive history of Citibank is recognized for its detailed account of the institution's formative years and its subsequent growth into a global financial powerhouse. The work is valued for its thorough research and its examination of the complex interplay between corporate strategy, economic conditions, and regulatory frameworks that defined American banking history. It serves as a significant resource for understanding the evolution of modern finance through the lens of one of its most prominent players.