The FORDS by Peter Collier and David Horowitz

Description

“The Fords” truly are an American Epic and this book is their tale. Beginning with the patriarch, Henry, it tells the story of a Midwestern farm boy who was intrigued by machinery, learned what makes it go, and applied his knowledge to put America on wheels. Henry is depicted as an eccentric genius who figured out how to build a car that would run on primitive rural roads, was affordable to the masses, rescued a hospital that still bears his name and set up a business that is remains in the control of his family to this day despite having subjected it to a reign of terror presided over by his enforcer, Harry Bennett. He was also a believer in reincarnation and was distrustful of Jews, bankers, lawyers and doctors.

Edsel was the son of promise who, before dying of cancer, made the transition to upper class respectability and was a respected corporate executive but who could never take a position in opposition to his father.

This work concludes with the third generation, Henry’s grandchildren who resented him for his treatment of their revered father. Each of them faced their own challenges and demons. Henry II entered the executive suite after his father’s death and quickly revitalized a company that had limped into and through the depression and needed rapid modernization if it was going to prosper in the post-World War II era before adopting the life of an English squire. Benson and Bill would be minor players in the company although Bill would find his fulfillment in the Detroit Lions. All of this generation struggled with alcoholism and Henry, despite his commercial successes, endured a series of family failures.

Authors Peter Collier and David Horowitz have succeeded in blending a commercial and family history into a very readable book that appeals to a wide variety of readers. Students of American industrial history will learn much about the origins and development of the auto industry. Fans of dynasties and celebrities will be fascinated by the complex relationships among Ford Family members. For the rest it can make a very enjoyable read.Thanks

Ad ID: 1489672187