No comments about The Michelin Men: Driving an Empire.

3 comments about Dorothy Stimson Bullitt: An Uncommon Life.

1. For anyone interested in the early "movers and shakers" of Seattle and particularly in the woman who built the first broadcasting empire between San Francisco and Minneapolis, this book will prove useful. Dorothy Stimson Bullitit's successful competition--without any previous business training--against the broadcast giants, her striving for higher standards in TV programming and her support of educational television and classical music radio all make her worthy of a biography. While the minutae of domestic details about her early life in Seattle's high society may interest some, to devote almost half the book to the period before her love affair with broadcasting began does slow the pace. Although it is obvious that the writer knew and admired her subject, the biography would have benefited from the writer being more selective in her details and aiming for a more objective interpretation.



2. As a native of Western Washington I enjoyed this book. Not only for the local history, but for the story of a woman. She was a woman who could have played cards and held tea parties, but she chose to use her brains, and money, to bring quality television to the Northwest. I, and many other baby boomer children, benefited from the efforts. Dorothy reinvented herself after the deaths of her father, brother and husband. It's a profile in courage, to borrow a JFK book title.



3. I thought the personal details of this early media magnate's life added richness and depth to this beautiful biography, Not only do we get to learn the story of this accomplished women's career, but what a glorious introduction to the history of the Pacific Northwest. For someone who normally doesn't read biographies, this book was hard to put down!

No comments about Winners Make it Happen: Reflections of a Self-Made Man.

1 comments about Pierre Cardin.

1. A "must read" for people who are interested in today's fashion. I am a fan of Mr. Cardin. Having worked with Mr. Cardin and his amazing crew for more than 3 years as house model in Paris before going to college, it's easy for me to understand why he is always a leader in fashion. This book documents his powerful journey so wonderfully!

No comments about John D. Larkin: A Business Pioneer.

No comments about Gunnar Myrdal: An Intellectual Biography (Great Thinkers in Economics).

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!)

No comments about Ivana Trump: A Very Unauthorized Biography.

4 comments about Last Bonanza Kings: The Bourns Of San Francisco.

1. In his biography of William Bourn I and William Bourn II the author consistantly drifts from the topic.

   A prime example is even though William Bourn is in Monte Carlo during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Egan adds to his description of the events in San Francisco the following sentence: "Even after the devestation of an earthquake that would have measured somewhere about 8.25 on the Richter Scale-to be developed in later years by Charles F. Richter of the Claifornia Institute of Technology..."

   Unfortunately this quote is not exceptional. If the author stayed with his topic the information Eagan unearthed on this important California family would require half the pages.

   Ferol Egan's "Last Bonanza Kings" is a book sorely in need of an editor.




2. I thought I had left a review but in looking back I haven't, so I will. I was REAL disappointed with this book. I spent a lot of money on it because I was excited to learn about the Bourn's, but the book left me with very little knowledge. Possibly there was no reason to write a book about them, but there just wasn't anything to sink my literary teeth into.



3. I have to say that i am absolutely fascinated by the Bourns. This book which i have not completely finished offers wonderful insight into one of the most influential families of the 19th and 20th centuries. The only thing that the book lacked was photographs. The book should have included photos of the Bourn Mansion in Pacific Heights (San Francisco), and Filoli out in Woodside. Other than those minor details this book was inspiring.



4. This was a poorly written historical novel. It wandered all over the place and left out critical material. I would suggest removing it from your inventory!

No comments about Inventor of the Disposable Culture: King Camp Gillette 1855-1932 (Short Lives).