Customer Reviews

The Model T: A Centennial History

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a very good book that will appeal to a broad audience. Robert Casey has written as much about the cultural aspects of America's entrance into the motor age as the vehicle that started it. There is also plenty to hold the fascination of the technically minded with Casey's discussion being accentuated with many charts and pictures of the inner workings of the Ford Model T. The chapter on "Manufacturing the T" is nicely illustrated and gives an enlightened explanation of the evolution of the world's first assembly line. The chapter on "Selling the T" provides some very interesting background on the people that helped create the phenomenon of the T's success.

For a smallish book, only 148 pages, including a very nice index and bibliography, there is an amazing amount of information in this "mini-coffee table book." This work traces the Model T Ford, arguably the most famous automobile ever built in this country, from conception to reality and beyond. Using dozens upon dozens of photographs, colored prints and nicely done schematic drawings of the inner workings of the famous care and adding a well written, readable and comprehensive text, the author has given us a very good overview of not only the car, but of the thoughts and inner workings of the Ford Motor Company, and indeed, the American public during this important era in our history.

The number and quality of black and white photograph, some published for the first time in this small volume, are worth the price of the book alone. I found that the photos of the inside of the early manufacturing plant almost as fascinating as the many photographs of the car itself. The reproductions of early advertizing are absolutely priceless. The thought process of the various selling campaigns does address Henry's resistance to change, not only in his product but in his marketing of his little car. This little side-bar is a gem within itself.

I was pleased that the author included the names of the many men who contributed to the success of this auto that changed America forever. So often in works such as this it is Ford, Ford, Ford and nothing but Henry. I was also pleased that the author did not delve too deeply into the politics of Mr. Ford and did not address his many attempts in the field of social engineering. No, this book is about the car; the Model T. There are many, many very good biographies on Henry Ford out there and the interested individual should certainly seek them out. I will say that reading any of these fine works will be greatly enhanced by simultaneously prowling through this offering being reviewed. I know of no biography that has offered the wide range of photographs as this work.

As has been so well pointed out by other reviewers here, this book has something in it for every one. I feel it is a must read for the automobile enthusiast and certainly is of great interested to those who delight in this particular car. Now I am not a "car person," but I do love history and to truly know the history of our country, an interested person must understand the impact that Henry Ford and his Model T had. This little book of course is not the beginning and end of books on this subject, but it is certainly a nice introduction to the subject and belongs on the shelf of any one interested in this car and/or American history. As I said before, the pictures alone are worth the price of the book.

This book is well worth the short time it takes to read. An amazing amount of knowledge, facts, figures and little know bits are presented in a very digestible format. Recommend this one highly.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

Eight hundred fifty dollars for a car seems cheap now, but it was only just within the grasp of the everyday man in 1908. "The Model T: A Centennial History" is a celebration of the hundredth birthday of the first affordable automobile, marking an era when America would gain mobility like never before. An in-depth history of the vehicle describing why the science of its design worked for America, "The Model T" is enhanced with countless black and white photos, some of which have never before been published. A must for true car lovers.

My grandfather had the remains of a Model T Ford still up on cinder blocks in his back field when I was a young boy in the early '50s. It had been rigged with a crude pully belt/hand operated tension clutch assy on one of the rear wheels to operate a large wood saw blade during the Depression. I was always curious as to how it functioned. This book actually has a picture of this operation plus many other original ideas created from simple common sense and ingenuity to overcome obstacles with the help of 20 horsepower. Commendable reading.

This book has about 125 pages of text and photos detailing the history of the Model T Ford. There is only enough information about Henry to help you understand the history of the car -- very little about his infamous politics or many other things about him that would triple the size of the book. And there is only enough technical information about how the car works to help you appreciate and understand why they were done and how it differed from other cars of the time.

The book does an excellent job of explaining the car market before and during production of the Model T, and includes dozens of excellent photographs - most of them taken inside the factory. You will definitely understand why this was such an important car, and why it was such a huge success, and most importantly how significant a part of our history it remains.

This is a history book and not a technical book, but there is just enough technical information to whet your appetite and want to learn more about this amazing vehicle.

When you finish this book, you will either say "Okay, that was amazing and I'm so glad I read it and understand such an important part of U.S. history" or you will say "Okay, that was amazing and now I want to learn more about the different models, and more about how the cars actually worked, and maybe more about Henry and what happened to the company after the Model T was discontinued, and I'm thinking I might even love to own one of these rolling pieces of history."

Either way, you will walk away very please to have read this book!

wanted a hard cover, in good shape, not costing a fortune. When it came (on schedule even tho it was christmas). The book was in excellent condition as describe. Got my money worth. Did enjoy the book, it will look good with of my model t books! THANKS,Spencer

This book was just what I wanted. It came in due time - didn't have to wait too long.