Posted 14 November 2005

The editors have assembled an admirable collection of research, which seeks to understand the history of corporate America. Divided into three sections with a total of eleven papers, the book explores the themes and issues present in the formation of the American corporation. The editors assess the corporation’s place in American society. The contributors’ high quality research challenges the development of the corporation and the changing values in American society through business. The work provides a very interesting historical analysis of not just the corporation and the American business but also the changing society, which affected its development. The research analyses the development of the American corporation over two centuries. The authors question the corporation’s traditional political and cultural role in society, assessing how the boundaries of the corporation have changed through American history.

The analysis of the corporation and the influence of business in American society provides a mesh of history and politics. This is discussed in theoretical terms with the purpose of moving away from strict individualism or rationalism in approach. The outlining supposition that the corporation forms an integral part of American society both historically and politically is highly convincing. However, there are several problems which arise with a study of this scope. Principally the breadth of the topic and time periods covered cause difficulties when presenting a coherent appraisal of the history. The work successfully carries this out whilst never underestimating the magnitude of the subject matter. An appreciation of the traditional firm and its relevance today is an essential prerequisite to understanding the corporation and the shaping forces in American society. 

Although the contributions are highly specialised, they provide solid foundations of research upon which to base scholarly understanding, and there has been a level of prioritisation in the scope of the study. There is always a place for quality research and understandings of topics which appear to be unquestioned due to historical consensus. The book will provide an excellent source for students and teachers. However, the price may make it the preserve of libraries, though it will be an excellent source of reference.   

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