No comments about Andrew Grove and the Intel Corporation (Notable Americans).

No comments about The Enron Scandal.

No comments about The Infamous King Of The Comstock: William Sharon And The Gilded Age In The West (Wilber S. Shepperson Series in Nevada History).

4 comments about The Pacesetter: The Untold Story of Carl G. Fisher.

1. I had never heard of Carl Fisher until this riviting book appeared in print. Facts that I never knew about were brought to my attention. For example: he is the creator of the Indy 500 and Maimi Beach. All of his accomplishments are beyond belief!



2. " The name Carl G. Fisher may not ring bells today, but it was this man who created the first transcontinental highway, built the Indy 500, developed Miami Beach, Florida and Montauk, New York . . . .One can only say "Thank You", Jerry for writing a wonderful biography, a splendid piece of history, and a story that provides an insight into an America where a poor Indiana boy could fulfill his dreams."



3. Anyone with any interest in auto racing or how 20th Century America needs this book. Painstakingly assembled, Jerry Fisher expertly defines one of the most charasmatic figures of the first half of the century. The fertile imagination of Carl Graham Fisher conceived and birthed the greatest automobile competition in the world, the Indianapolis 500, and then proceeded to will the playground metropolis of Miami, Florida up from wet sand. A marvelously unvarnished chronicle of a passionate, creative, generous, and, yes, flawed human being. Hats off to Jerry Fisher.



4. I am enjoying this book about a great man. I was afraid that author would be bad-mouthing widow of Carl Fisher as she had written the first biography. This book contains more photos and much more documentation.
   I have only read about half of the book. It is easy to read and is very interesting.

No comments about Pride of the Rockies: The Life of Colorado's Premiere Irish Patron, John Kernan Mullen.

No comments about Veblen in Perspective: His Life and Thought (Studies in Institutional Economics).

5 comments about Mind Your Own Business: A Maverick's Guide to Business, Leadership and Life.

1. Mr. Harman espouses hard work and integrity. There - I just saved you hours of time and the cost of this book.



2. Dr. Harman had four children, worked 24/7, and divorced his first wife after 25 years. Ten years before the divorce he took up golf and played weekends, leaving his children, entering their teenage years, for his wife to raise. At age 60 he married a woman 25 years his junior and according to the book had two more children with her. They are still married, after some 25 years.

   This book contains anecdotal information regarding the environment in which a large company operates, and some things to consider while doing so. That info is useful. The author also deals extensively with business ethics. This is less useful. His ethical model was apparently different at home than in the office.




3. This book is full of bravado and it reads like a one written by a megalomaniac. In the book, it sounds as if Sidney is attempting to address his own regrets in life. I don't mean to discount Sidney's success in business, but he does not share much of that insight in his book. He emphasizes a lot on ethics and integrity, but he doesn't seem to fully embrace that at work or demonstrate that in his family and personal life. He also emphasizes hard work, but who doesn't already know that. To put this book at the level of a classic is highly unfortunate, and to categorize it in the same league as "My Years With General Motors," as Tom Peters has done, is to do Alfred P. Sloan gross injustice.



4. I have reviewed the comments on this board and felt utterly compelled to say something. My father is Sidney Harman and I can assure you that he is a wonderful and caring father to his six children and two step-children. His family life, however, is irrelevant when reviewing and contemplating the content of the book. This book is not called Mind Your Own Family. And to those conjecturing about my father's child rearing skills, I recommend you take a hint of advice from the book's title.



5. I read this book on my flight from Phoenix to Maryland(BWI). I have since bought several copies and am sharing the contents with my friends and associates. Excellent Man, ideas, thoughts, great experince and honesty during turbulent years, yet he is always giving. I am still buying copies to give away.

3 comments about Defying the Odds.

1. "Defying the Odds" is an autobiographical account of Marcia Israel-Curley's trials and triumphs as she founded and grew the "Judy's" line of specialty clothing stores. A highly successful chain that was founded in late 1940's, it set several precedents that are still followed today by most specialty chains.

   But this was a time when a woman working outside the home was not totally accepted, a woman at the head of a successful corporation was pretty much unheard of, and the average retail store lasted only three years.

   The author starts with some background on her family and her childhood. She follows that with how and why she started the clothing chain and then delves immediately into the ups and downs of the business. From the first small store that was so small it would only allow one customer in it at a time while others waited outside, to 104 stores, it is the story of strength, perseverance, and common sense. An encouraging read for anyone in business for themselves or thinking about it, it is a recommended read.




2. Marcia Israel begins the book as a poor girl in New York working as a part time model and bookkeeper, and by the end she's not only a successful entrepreneur who has been named "Woman of the Year" by the Los Angeles Times, but a world traveler, a Presidential commission appointee, a USC professor, and somebody who entertains heads of state in her home.

   It's an incredible story.

   She also gives good advice along the way for aspiring business owners.




3. This lady has a wonderful sense of life.
   I found the book interesting, informative and inspiring.
   I have a small business and I am asking all of my 20 employees to read it.
   Thank you Marcia.
   (My only criticism is that it was too short!)

1 comments about The Epitome of Desire.

1. How do you create a museum? People collect. Collections evolve and are admired by others. Properly nurtured a collection may take up a life of its own. At some point it becomes a stand alone entity. Humankind has always desired to keep desirable collections of objects together in perpetuity to study and admire. And because "all this must be left behind" museums are created. Wilson's book Epitome of Desire wonderfully chronicles the life of Patsy and Raymond Nasher as they first begin their collection to the construction of magnificent new Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas. Nasher then becomes a artist when he uses his art to create a center worthy of their collection. Brought to life by such warm insights such as daughter Joanie remembering, "It was kind of fantasy and whimsical. I can remember doing my homework leaning on a Henry Moore. We were encouraged by our parents to touch the sculpture" but had to remember "don't spill anything on the carpet." Just as the collection is worthy of the Nashers, and the new Sculpture Center is worthy of the collection, Wilson's book Epitome of Desire is worthy of the story of the collection. A must read for museum professionals.

No comments about The Ultimate Lark: In Search of Epicurean Adventure.