Dodge Dynasty: The Car and the Family That Rocked Detroit

Tells the fascinating story of the family that built the mighty Dodge empire and grew into a powerful and wealthy dynasty and became plagued by excesses and scandal

Skilled and esteemed mechanics in Detroit at the turn of the century, John and Horace Dodge were uniquely situated to take advantage of the burgeoning automobile industry. First they made engines for Oldsmobile and then for Ford, who in due course eased them out. The brothers became immensely wealthy, but they made no provision for their heirs to carry on the auto manufacturing firm they built into an industry leader. Both died in 1920. The subsequent history of the family, carefully researched and dramatically related by Latham ( Life with Rose Kennedy ) and Dodge "intimate" Agresta, is one of squandered opportunities, failed marriages and general unhappiness. As the authors aptly put it, the tragedy of the family was that it realized the American dream. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Using the archives of the Anna Thomson Dodge estate for original material, this history of the Dodge family tends to concentrate on the personal and sensational. For the business reader, this book has its moments--especially the early chapters, which focus on the two hard-working, mutually supportive Dodge boys (John and Horace). Their role in the early success of Henry Ford during the infancy of the auto industry is especially fascinating. But mostly the story is of a family, unable to handle their wealth or position and beset by episodes of greed, conspiracy, betrayal, and pettiness. This is more fitting for a shallow TV movie screenplay than the business bookshelf. Not recommended.
- Gene R. Laczniak, Marquette Univ., Milwaukee
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.