FORD: pansion and Challenge

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 16, 1957

More about Henry, the controversial farm boy who made America mobile. The welcome second volume about Henry Ford delineates the innovator who pioneered mass production techniques in a succession of creative phases. There is ample evidence here to support the author's charge that Ford's was a mind, ""daring and flexible -- but also limited and sterile."" Ford, the lanky fighter, with a long stomach like ""an ironing board"", trusting his own omniscience, organized a ""Peace Ship"", and sailed for Europe to prevent the First World War. Henry lost that round, but he won a legal battle when he made the Chicago Tribune pay six cents damages for libel when they called him an ignorant anarchist. Absolute power was his; he seriously considered being a presidential candidate. He spent a fortune establishing new sources of rubber with Harvey Firestone. Ford Airport, Ford Hospital and Dearborn Village attest the catholicity of his interests. Apology did not atone for the damage Ford did as owner of the Dearborn Independent with a series of rabidly anti-Semitic articles. Financial machinations and faith in mass-production assured him of autonomy in the Ford Empire. As his industrial complex expanded, his interest in the sociological facets of labor relations waned. Ford's personal life, his relationships as husband and father; the position he holds still to Detroiters are not encompassed here. Commemoration, amply documented, of an original personality.

Pub Date: Sept. 16, 1957

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Scribner

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1957

Categories: NONFICTION