{"product_id":"the-bill-cook-story-9780253352545","title":"The Bill Cook Story","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA biography of the entrepreneur who, working from the spare bedroom of his Bloomington, Indiana, apartment in 1963 with a $1,500 investment, began to construct the wire guides, needles, and catheters that would become the foundation of the global multi-billion-dollar Cook Group.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrade Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe subject of this biography, Bill Cook, is said to 'epitomize the American success story'. From the early days of conducting business from the spare bedroom in his apartment, Cook built up a global multi-billion dollar business. So far, so American Pie. But the twist in the tale is that Cook continued to live a modest life and spends his money on a wide array of philanthropic causes, from historic preservation to marching bands. Whilst it seems a bit of an exaggeration to suggest this is typical (most super-wealthy givers seem comfortable being simultaneously conspicuous consumers and philanthropic), it is always fascinating to gain insights into the life and thoughts of notable donors. Given unlimited access to the subject and his wife, the author is able to paint a particularly intimate portrait, albeit one that is written in a style that never lets the reader forget his day job as a sports journalist. Readers will either like or loathe Hammel's writing style – breathlessly short sections, bullet-pointed paragraphs and a plot-driven account full of narrative tricks – but those who stick with the text will emerge with many insights into the mind of a generous, though probably atypical, American businessman.\u003c\/p\u003e -- Beth Breeze * Philanthropy UK Newsletter *\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eHammel's engaging book is a tribute to a remarkable man.\u003c\/p\u003e * Bloomington Herald Times *\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e. . . Given unlimited access to the subject and his wife, the author is able to paint a particularly intimate portrait. . . [Readers] will emerge with many insights into the mind of a generous, though probably atypical, American businessman.September 2008\u003c\/p\u003e -- Beth Breeze * Publications Editor *\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Bill Cook Story is as exciting as any championship series. Told by a master storyteller, the narrative sweeps the reader through the personal and private lives of Bill and Gayle Cook.Vol. 106, no. 4, December 2010\u003c\/p\u003e * Indiana Magazine of History *\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eContents\u003cbr\u003ePreface\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA Day in a Life\u003cbr\u003e Kidnapping\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Life\u003cbr\u003e 1. Playing in Peoria\u003cbr\u003e 2. The Canton High Years\u003cbr\u003e 3. A Wide Gold Band\u003cbr\u003e 4. Road to Bloomington\u003cbr\u003e 5. Bedroom Beginning\u003cbr\u003e Ain't but One Bill Cook\u003cbr\u003e 6. Moving Up\u003cbr\u003e An Ow, a Bow-Wow, a Hoosegow\u003cbr\u003e 7. Team Taking Shape\u003cbr\u003e Taking Flight\u003cbr\u003e 8. Foothold in Europe\u003cbr\u003e 9. Doctors\u003cbr\u003e 10. Stents and Suits\u003cbr\u003e 11. Health\u003cbr\u003e 12. The Guidant Fiasco\u003cbr\u003e The Band Director\u003cbr\u003e 13. Philosophy\u003cbr\u003e 14. Religion\u003cbr\u003e 15. Politics\u003cbr\u003e 16. Cook Clinic\u003cbr\u003e The Bill Cook Plan for America\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Day Revisited\u003cbr\u003e Kidnapping Redux\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e 17. The Future\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWealth\u003cbr\u003e 18. Power and Opportunity\u003cbr\u003e 19. Restorations\u003cbr\u003e 20. A Good Time in Our Lives\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcknowledgments\u003cbr\u003eSources and Notes\u003cbr\u003eIndex\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Indiana University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49400680939863,"sku":"9780253352545","price":22.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1739\/5799\/files\/9780253352545.jpg?v=1730471281","url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/the-bill-cook-story-9780253352545","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}