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Book Finished: The Arsenal of Democracy
May. 9th, 2015 04:41 pmThe Arsenal of Democracy: FDR, Detroit, and an Epic Quest to arm an America at War by A.J. Baime
★★★★★
This is a fascinating history of the Ford Motor Company, with light coverage leading back to Henry Ford building a quadricycle in his shed. Most of the book is to do with World War II and the incredible efforts and personalities that made possible the production of aircraft in numbers that, when first proposed, absolutely everyone knew was completely impossible, yet it was done.
What I found particularly interesting was the internal power struggles of the major personalities within the company. Particular coverage is given to Edsel Ford, he's impossible not to cheer on as he battles forces inside and outside the company, his own father, and his own health. After finishing this book, it's clear that it's an injustice that Edsel Ford is not given more public recognition for his gigantic contributions to the country. In a very real way he gave his life in service to the country during the war. (uh, spoiler alert, I guess)
It's a very interesting read, I think even for people who wouldn't normally like historical coverage, simply because the events it covers are so extraordinary.
★★★★★
This is a fascinating history of the Ford Motor Company, with light coverage leading back to Henry Ford building a quadricycle in his shed. Most of the book is to do with World War II and the incredible efforts and personalities that made possible the production of aircraft in numbers that, when first proposed, absolutely everyone knew was completely impossible, yet it was done.
What I found particularly interesting was the internal power struggles of the major personalities within the company. Particular coverage is given to Edsel Ford, he's impossible not to cheer on as he battles forces inside and outside the company, his own father, and his own health. After finishing this book, it's clear that it's an injustice that Edsel Ford is not given more public recognition for his gigantic contributions to the country. In a very real way he gave his life in service to the country during the war. (uh, spoiler alert, I guess)
It's a very interesting read, I think even for people who wouldn't normally like historical coverage, simply because the events it covers are so extraordinary.
