In 1998, Chernow published the 774 page long book "Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.", which was selected by "Time" and "The New York Times" as one of the year's ten best books. A prominent figure in American business history, Rockefeller was an industrialist, philanthropist, and the founder of the Standard Oil Company. The book reflected Chernow's continued interest in financial history, especially when shaped by compelling and influential individuals. The book remained on The New York Times Best Seller list for 16 weeks. "Time" called it "one of the great American biographies".