Dream Maker: William C. Durant, Founder of General Motors

by Bernard A. Weisberger

Recounts the accomplishments and misfortunes of the daring and original entrepreneur who formed General Motors in the early 1900s, founded and lost Durant Motors after his final break with GM, and died nearly penniless in 1947

396 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1979

About the author

Bernard Allen Weisberger is an American historian. Weisberger taught American history at several universities including the University of Chicago and University of Rochester, where he was chair of the department. He has written more than a dozen books and worked on documentaries with Bill Moyers and Ken Burns. His Charles Ramsdell Prize winning article "The Dark and Bloody Ground of Reconstruction Historiography," is considered a standard in the study of the Reconstruction period.

He is a contributing editor of American Heritage, for which he wrote a regular column for ten years. Weisberger was also a member of the National Hillel Commission and a dedicated participant in the civil rights movement.

Reviews

[Brenda D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring book. It is amazing one man can do so much, but with so much personal sacrifice. Our church is sending a service team to God's Child this summer for the second time, and I am happy that my son is part of that group.

[Miranda Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! It's not overly complicated language but it tells the story point-blank. I truly believe Patrick Atkinson will be recognized as a saint and it was interesting to learn more about his charity, the God's Child Project. It tugs at your heartstrings to get involved and made me realize just how fortunate I am. Highly recommend reading and getting involved!

[Paula Fahey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. I read it because my daughter was going down to volunteer at GCP in Guatemala and I wanted to know the background. Reading the book provided me with a sense of safety as the GCP seems to be a very high quality organization.

[Raven Woodbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started as an assignment for college. I finished the semester without finishing the book and it was so good I had to finish. I even passed it on to a friend.

[Peter Pactor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great informative and interesting book! This is a truly rags-to-riches, then riches-to-rags story. I was fascinated by his efforts to found General Motors, annoyed by his manipulations to support General Motors on the decline in the early 1920s, upset when he lost his position at GM, rooting for him when he at 69 founded Durant Motors, and deeply saddened when he lost everything in the 1929 Crash.

But through it all, even in the last days of physical debilitation and poverty, he maintained his character. He was always publicly positive, fondly adored and remembered by multitudes of friends, and still charitable to others when he couldn't afford to be.

He was a remarkable man of exceptional character and kindness. His one driving force was not money, but seeing his dream of promoting the automobile come to fruition.

This is a great life story, well written by Bernard A. Weisberger.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely uplifting and amazing account of how Pat Atkinson started the "God's Child" project in Guatamala.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. One of the best books I've ever read, but that might be because I feel so connected to Pat Atkinson's story.