Friends in High Places: The Bechtel Story : The Most Secret Corporation and How It Engineered the World

A journalist takes an investigative look inside America's largest private company, The Bechtel Group, and at its connections with such government officials as Ronald Reagan, George Schultz, and Caspar Weinberger, and with important national and international events

The title reflects the author's characterization of the 80-year-old Bechtel Group, America's largest private company, which has incalculable resources and influences not only on U.S. foreign policy but on world events as well. Starting with its founder, entrepreneur Warren Bechtel, who built roads, railroads and other major projects like the Boulder Dam (constructed in alliance with Henry J. Kaiser), this engrossing account by freelance journalist McCartney traces the growth of the engineering firm's international operations under the leadership of the son and grandson during WW II and after, when the company won contracts for ships, planes, the Alaska Pipeline and nuclear plants. The group's executives, McCartney contends, have filled or still occupy key posts in the White House, State Department, Pentagon and CIA, or have become CEOs of companies ready to further or protect Bechtel interests. The author also provides behind-the-scenes insights as to how the group covers up, if needed, questionable enterprises and conflicts of interest.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This unauthorized history of the Bechtel family and the companies making up the Bechtel Group is by a journalist. Well written and researched, it exposes the relationship between one of the largest privately held companies in the United States and the federal government. (John A. McCone, former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, George Shultz, and Caspar Weinberger are only a few of Bechtel's one-time employees.) It relates a story of influence peddling, spying, and old-fashioned favoritism. (Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Dwight Eisenhower are only a few of the friends mentioned.) It is also the story of Bechtel's anti-Semitism and link to the CIA. Fun to read, this will stir up at least one board room. Recommended for most business collections. Michael D. Kathman, St. John's Univ. Lib., Collegeville, Minn.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.