Pioneers, Engineers, and Scoundrels: The Dawn of the Automobile in America

by Beverly Rae Kimes

The people who "changed the face of the earth..."

From the Prologue...

"In 1913, The New York Times declared, 'the coming of the automobile has literally changed the face of the earth.' Given that assessment, it is interesting that the invention was so long in arriving. Its roots dated back to the American Revolution, but for more than a century, inventors faced ridicule and contempt ... The transition of America from horse-drawn to horse-less society boasts an epic cast of characters - from stalwart heros to dastardly scoundrels, from social grandees to street toughs, from wise men to wise guys."

This "cast of characters" provides the lens through which award-winning author Beverly Rae Kimes focuses on the early years of the American automobile industry. While some names - Ford, Dodge, Buick, and more - are easily recognized, this book also introduces snapshots of lesser known, but vitally important actors in this dramatic saga. The famous, the infamous, and the unknown are brought together by their common dedication to this great invention - and united by the fascinating stories that characterize each person.

This book presents a unique and engagingly written portrait of the American automobile industry's early years, focusing on the individuals who dreamed, schemed, innovated, succeeded and failed in their quests for fame, fortune, glory, and knowledge. This is a book that tells a story like no other - a history of America, Americans, and their love affair with the "horse-less carriage."

Did you know?

The first company to build automobiles was organized by Oliver Evans in 1804.
In 1900 the gasoline car was third in popularity, behind steamer and electric models.
In 1909 Henry Ford briefly considered becoming part of General Motors.
In 1916 Lt. George S. Patton led the first motorized charge in U.S. Army history with 14 men and 3 Dodges in a surprise raid on Pancho Villa¿s hideout.
In 1911 the top five automobile manufacturing states were Michigan (75 companies), Ohio (63), Indiana (61), Illinois (54) and New York (54).
In 1912 the U.S. exported 23,720 cars and imported just 868.

Learn the stories you haven't heard. Meet the people you haven't known.

532 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2004

About the author

Known as the "First Lady of Automotive History" and "The Grande Dame of Automobile History", Beverly Rae Kimes received a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois, and a master's degree in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania.

Her first job was at Automobile Quarterly in 1963. She was promoted to head editor in 1975, a position she held until 1981, when she left to concentrate on free-lance writing.