DOC I Invented the Modern Age: The Rise of Henry Ford by Richard Snow in History

Review

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. This is far more than a book about a man and a carBy Carol PeckhamThis wonderful book pulls Henry Ford into the present by presenting us with his deep revealing shadow. Richard Snow has chosen to create a picture of Ford that starts in his early life and leads ineluctably to the development of the Model T; which Snow describes convincingly as having invented the modern age. This isn't a new idea of course but what this book does is not only evoke a vivid picture of genius at its peak but it provides the essence of what we gained and lost through Ford's bizarre twists of character. We gained; of course; mass production and the automobile as a transformative force. And with Ford doubling the working man's salary; we also gained a middle class. (The book goes on to report on the brutality Ford later used against his workers; but that early support of the worker was an almost heartbreaking reminder of what is now being lost --US manufacturing and the working middle class.) And we probably also lost the possiblity of a global organization right after WWI. The book doesn't shy away from Ford's very weird and destructive anti-Semitism; his ruthless treatment of men who had been indispensible in his rise; nor his damaging and tragic relationship with his son. However; throughout this brilliant book I was periodically reminded of two other men; Steve Jobs and Robert Moses; who were also initially motivated by the desire to change lives for good. All three achieved monstrous changes in the fabric of society by building tangible stuff and overcoming extreme obstacles to do so. In the process; however; all three also underwent crippling psychological changes that made them; somehow; monstrous. To make this point; the important biographers of Jobs and Moses wrote very long books. Snow elegantly and kindly reveals this in far fewer pages. And it reads like a novel. (I hope some smart producer notices that the Selden patent case by itself has enough drama and character to fill a mini-series.) Snow even manages to make machinery thrilling; and this for a reader who doesn't know the difference between a monkey wrench and a monkey. I recommend buying it on the Kindle because at the end you can expand the picture of Henry Ford's face and place your finger on each side of it. You'll know what I mean when you buy this book.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Enjoyable ReadBy timothy sho donahueIf you like history;the automobile and manufacturing you will enjoy this book.It is a great history about the Path Henry took to invent a car; build it and get it into mass production.He made mistakes along the way and also took some big risks on big ideas. The part I found most interesting is that his son was actually better qualified to run the business but never allowed to spread his wings. Henry was not the best father and in many respects; not a good man to work for if you had your own ideas.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. com and thought it was very good. I have absolutely no knowledge of automobiles and ...By suzeboI listened to this on Audible.com and thought it was very good. I have absolutely no knowledge of automobiles and what makes them run (the internal combustion engine remains a total mystery) but found the author's descriptions of the early engines to be quite accessible and not at all intimidating. The account of the development of the 1st autos and of the early auto industry was fascinating; as was the portrait presented of Henry Ford. The discussion of how Ford's innovations forever changed social history; effectively destroying a way of life that Ford held dear; was also very interesting. So; a book that should not have appealed to me turned out to be a good read; I even recommended it to my sister-in-law as a gift for her husband; who does know a lot about engines and what makes them work.