By John Micklethwait, Adrian Wooldridge
Published: 2003
From the acclaimed authors of "A Future Perfect comes the untold story of how the company became the world's most powerful institution. Like all groundbreaking books, "The Company fills a hole we didn't know existed, revealing that we cannot make sense of the past four hundred years until we place that seemingly humble Victorian innovation, the joint-stock company, in the center of the frame. With their trademark authority and wit, "Economist editors John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge reveal the company to be one of history's great catalysts, for good and for ill, a mighty engine for sucking in, recombining, and pumping out money, goods, people, and culture to every corner of the globe. What other earthly invention has the power to grow to any size, and to live to any age? What else could have given us both the stock market and the British Empire? The company man, the company town, and company time? Disneyfication and McDonald'sization, to say nothing of Coca-colonialism? Through its many mutations, the company has always incited controversy, and governments have always fought to rein it in. Today, though Marx may spin in his grave and anarchists riot in the streets, the company exercises an unparalleled influence on the globe, and understanding what this creature is and where it comes from has never been a more pressing matter. To the rescue come these acclaimed authors, with a short volume of truly vast range and insight.
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John Micklethwait is a distinguished author and journalist, known for his incisive analysis of global affairs and economics. Currently the Editor-in-Chief of Bloomberg News, he has co-authored several influential books including 'The Witch Doctors', 'God Is Back', and 'The Fourth Revolution'. Micklethwait's writing style is characterized by its clarity, analytical depth, and ability to distill complex ideas into accessible narratives. He has a keen interest in the intersections of politics, business, and societal change, making his works essential reading for those interested in contemporary issues.
Adrian Wooldridge is an accomplished British journalist and author, best known for his insightful commentary on economics, politics, and business. As the business affairs editor for The Economist, he combines rigorous analysis with a sharp wit to explore complex subjects. His notable works include 'The Right Nation: Conservative Power in America' and 'The ASHES of Flagship: How We Lost It and How We Can Get It Back.' Wooldridge's writing often reflects a blend of empirical research and engaging narrative, making intricate economic and political ideas accessible to a broad audience.
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