Books matching: arrogance and greed
3 result(s)
- #1
A big, bold look at the rise and fall of industrial giants, rich with fascinating details - best for patient readers curious about the forces that shape entire industries.
'The Reckoning' by David Halberstam is a journalistic-style book that delves into the rise and fall of the American auto industry, focusing on the histories of Ford and Nissan. The book is praised for its in-depth research, providing a narrative that allows readers to relate to the key figures involved and understand the consequences of historical events that still impact us today. Through detailed accounts and portraits, the book explores how the industry lost its manufacturing prowess due to bad corporate decisions, arrogance, and greed, with a particular emphasis on the personal and professional conflicts within companies like Ford.
By the middle of the war, the Ford Motor Company was in such poor shape, teetering on collapse, that high government officials pondered whether to take it over, for the government had to keep the gian...1986•779 pages - #2
A gloriously intense and exotic historical saga - brutal, sensual, and opulent in equal measure. Not for the faint of heart, but unforgettable for those who want to be swept away by old-school epic storytelling.
'Salammbo' by Gustave Flaubert is a historical novel set in ancient Carthage during the Third century BC. The story revolves around the brutal war between Carthage and its rebellious mercenaries, led by the Libyan Matho. Flaubert meticulously describes the exotic Carthaginian rituals, the diverse group of mercenaries, and the violent clashes between the two factions. The novel is filled with elaborate details of costumes, ceremonies, battles, and torturous punishments, creating a vivid and gory historical realism. The plot delves into themes of arrogance, pride, jealousy, and greed, portraying a political structure where party politics undermine the state's best interests.
Flaubert's writing style in 'Salammbo' is described as ornate, lavish, and exotic, filled with sensual and grotesque imagery. The novel is praised for its historical accuracy and the author's extensive research, including Flaubert's trip to Tunisia to gather information about Carthage. The narrative is likened to an Orientalist tragedy, showcasing Flaubert's deep knowledge of Carthaginian history and religion. Despite the graphic and violent content, the book is considered unique, compelling, and an epic tale of lust, cruelty, riches, ritual, and sensuality.
It was at Megara, a suburb of Carthage, in the gardens of Hamilcar. The soldiers whom he had commanded in Sicily were having a great feast to celebrate the anniversary of the battle of Eryx, and as th...1862•345 pages - #3
A compelling, detail-packed true crime saga that’s as fascinating as it is flawed - perfect for fans of character-driven crime stories and Mark Bowden’s signature style.
'Doctor Dealer: The Rise and Fall of an All-American Boy and His Multimillion-Dollar Cocaine Empire' by Mark Bowden is a gripping account of Larry Lavin's transformation from a successful dentist with an Ivy League education to a notorious drug kingpin in Philadelphia. The narrative delves into Lavin's rise in the drug trade, his complex relationships with his wife and associates, and his attempts to launder money through legitimate businesses. Bowden's writing style is described as engaging and captivating, providing an in-depth look at Lavin's life and the intricate web of crime he was involved in.
Fall 1972, on the campus of Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. Upperclassman John Sidoli was studying in his third-floor room in Langdell Hall when in jumped his friend Jeff Giancola wi...1987•353 pages



