Description
Book SynopsisThe Vital Few, a study of the contribution of entrepreneurs to the American economy, provides portraits of the men and women whose individual enterprise has helped to establish the character of the American businessperson and to carry our economy forward from colonial times. Examining such legendary figures as William Penn, Eli Whitney, Henry Ford, and J. Pierpont Morgan in their social and economic environment, Jonathan Hughes illuminates each period ofAmerican economic history and provides insights into the workings of American business and the special qualities required of its super-achievers. Taking into account such dramatic changes in the economy as theexplosive growth of government and the puzzling effects of stagflation, Hughes has now expanded his original volume. The new edition includes two additional biographies and a short essay on the nature of bureaucracy in both the government and the private sector. Both biographies are of bureaucratic entrepreneurs, whose work in
Trade Review"A landmark in American intellectual history, representing as it does a work in the great tradition of history writing... It is a joy to read a book established on the premise that large minds, hard work, and courage make things happen, that history is not an icy region of abstract forces."--W.F. Rickenbacker, National Review "A landmark in American intellectual history."--W.F. Rickenbacker, National Review "[Hughes's] biographical chapters...are excellent. They show wide reading, careful research, a lively and curious mind."--H.G.L. Aitken, American Economist "A classic further improved."--Kim McQuaid, Lake Erie College "The new chapters on Marriner Eccles and Mary Switzer round off John Hughes' book nicely....A lively read on an exciting subject. A classic further improved."--Kim McQuaid, Lake Erie College "Excellent. Comprehensive....Thought provoking."--Allan L. Korn, S.U.N.Y., Buffalo "Brilliant....Hughes makes judicious use of economic theory without letting the entrepreneurs be swallowed up by models....I recommend it strongly."--Paul McGouldrick, State University of New York, Binghamton "Extremely well written."--James A. Gherity, Northern Illinois University "[Hughes writes] with a learning that sits lightly and with flashes of wit and irreverence that make this...easy, pleasant and rewarding reading...Each one of his biographical subjects comes alive."--L.M. Hacker, The New York Times Book Review "The best collection of brief business biographies, thoughtful, balanced, and well-informed."--Vincent P. Carosso, New York University
