The Ford Century: Ford Motor Company and the Innovations That Shaped the World

by Russ Banham

Book Overview

No technological achievement has altered our world more than the introduction of the automobile into every element of our society, and no single company has been more influential in that achievement than Ford Motor Company. For the past one hundred years, we have used automobiles for our livelihood, for travel and recreation, for delivery and transport--thanks, in large part, to the vision of Henry Ford and the three successive generations of Ford leaders that have furthered his legacy. This hundredth anniversary book is a fascinating, highly visual look into the history of an American icon--a company with a household name that has been a part of the fabric of our nation's history. Ford's story is one of inventions, personalities, legendary vehicles, setbacks, and successes, all intertwined with the most challenging and innovative century in American history. "The Ford Century" represents the visual history of the man, the machine, and the company that changed the world. From the automotive assembly line to the V-8 engine; from the affordable everyman's car to the creation of a network of national highways, from the Arsenal of Democracy in World War II to today's global economy--it's all here in the most compelling and comprehensive book on Henry Ford and the Ford legacy. With more than five hundred full-color and archival images, an unflinching, thoroughly researched text, and many special features, this book spans a complete century of goings-on at this archetypal corporation. "The Ford Century" covers all of the well-known subjects--the Model T, Edsel Ford, the famed Rouge Complex--plus exciting unreleased vehicles, compelling interviews, and surprising insights that are prossible only with the unparalleled access granted to the producers of this book. Featuring a lively, personality-centered text and stunning images "The Ford Century" is a compelling read for car buffs, industry watchers, and connoisseurs of illustrated history alike.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1579652018
• ISBN13: 9781579652012
• Release Date: November 2002
• Publisher: Artisan Publishers
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 4.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 10.6" x 11.8"

Customer Reviews

outstanding collection of products

I bought this book as part of the materials of a history of innovation course, and it resulted a valuable piece. The history of Ford is well known in general terms but not in the details and the way their engineers broke thoundsands of paradigms and how they adapted to the market needs. The book of evidence of this effort. There is a nice introduction by Paul Newman. I recommend it for all lovers of engineering or product development.

official book of Ford Motor Company

complete history of Ford Motor Company incl. sub-brands Every employee of Ford Motor got one in 2003.

A beautiful and entertaining book

This book is fascinating, even for people like me who aren't especially interested in cars. I picked it up at my grandpa's house and couldn't put it down. More than a "car book," Ford Century brings in a lot of the history that Ford grew up in - from hula hoops to hot rods - and reminds its readers how Ford was there for it all. This is a beautiful book, as well, with great images and nostalgiac pictures. I highly recommend it.

Massive Panaoramic Sweep of Ford:Man,Cars,Company

Tying in with Ford's 100th celebration is this fine chronicle of this influential name and continuing legacy in so many areas of the past century.The mobility and culture which has sprung up around the auto is staggering. Here it is captured from following one of the influential figures in all of that: Henry Ford and the legacy he left.Well done with photos and enough text to provide running history of this giant in industry and society, this will become a collector's item to be given with pride, displayed on coffetables or in libraries.To reflect back on all those vehicles--- Model T, Thunderbird, Mustang, Edsel, F-150, assembly line. We've all been touched by it. This is luscious nostalgia at its best.