The Deal Maker: How William C. Durant Made General Motors

by Axel Madsen

Author of 14 biographies, Axel Madsen chronicles the people who shaped the 20th century. In The Deal Maker, he sheds light on a man whose tireless optimism led to the formation of the first super-corporation. A charismatic salesman in the late 19th century, William Durant started a cart-building business after accepting an especially comfortable ride one day. By the time he turned 40, he was a millionaire wondering what to do with the rest of his life. When he was approached by retired plumber David Buick and a group of friends from his hometown of Flint, Michigan, Durant had only ridden in an automobile twice. His ensuing creation of General Motors essentially invented modern-day corporate America, gaining and losing him three fortunes in the process.

Durant's story highlights the uneasy relationship between inventors and those who control the capital to exploit those inventions. Nelson Runger's narration takes listeners to a time when men like Durant, Henry Ford, J. P. Morgan, and Pierre du Pont were making decisions that would shape America's future.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Business, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published August 23, 1999

About the author

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axel_Madsen

Reviews

[Jeff Clausen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A car-lover’s or Detroit resident’s book of automotive history, which in my case worked because I spend a fair amount of time in Flint, hometown of the subject. And while nearly all the book took place almost 100 years ago, there’s still plenty of characters whose names are common today— Louis Chevrolet, Walter Chrysler and of course Henry Ford. The barebones way cars all were at that time is astounding to modern drivers— Fords didn’t have automatic windshield wipers for many years…what? But then the incredibly low prices old Henry charged are equally astounding. $295 for a new car? Yes, please.

[Matt Bernhardt · Rating 2 out of 5]

by the numbers. It was more like a good trivia book. Like "wow, that's where the make of Buick came from"

*donated to the laundry room library on State Street

[Saran Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book. It took you through Durant's life and at the same time took you through General Motors history. I loved how he basically bought back GM with Chevrolet. Excellent read

[Josh Steimle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, you know? David McCullough it ain't, although having Nelson Runger be the narrator helps. In some parts I wasn't sure who the book was talking about, and sometimes it jumped forward and backward through history, and I prefer books that are very strict about having things in chronological order. But it was still pretty good history despite all that, and enjoyable. But I didn't feel that connection to Durrant the way I would have liked. I felt like I was reading a long newspaper article about him, rather than getting inside him and understanding him.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at a man who was alive every moment of his life. He carved out a portion of a brand new industry-created that industry and many of its innovations throughout his life. Durant's story is one of perseverance and will, charm and character. He hated banks and their sly ways preferring honest direct communication.
I throughly recommend this book-or audio tape to anyone who likes biographies.
(Available as audio-cd at multnomah library)