In Search of L. L. Bean

by M.R. Montgomery

This profile of the man who founded the exceedingly successful sports outfitting concern that bears his name examines the variety of sports and their specific requirements and the mythological vision of the Maine sportman that were the ingredients of Bean's success

Genres: Biography, History

244 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 1985

Reviews

[Karen Wright · Rating 1 out of 5]

READ ABOUT 20% AND DIDN’T CARE FOR IT 2/15

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read if you: a) like any part of northern New England but especially Maine.. b) are interested in retail/catalog sales but especially L.L. Bean. Wish I had access to some of those old catalogs!

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

fair, verbose at times, dated

[Anne]

Chronicles the birth and subsequent growth of the mail order company founded by Leon Leonwood Bean in Freeport, Maine. Realizing that his Maine neighbors needed nothing but their everyday clothes to hunt in, Bean sought customers among the “sports” from the wealthier classes who patronized the Maine hunting and fishing camps. After L.L.’s death in 1967, his grandson Leon Gorman took over the reins and the whole enterprise underwent a complete change, growing by leaps and bounds until it plateaued during the 82-83 season. Since this book was written in 1984, I am somewhat curious about the current state of the enterprise.