Explore our curated list of books about farming, tractors, and rural life.
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Corporate journalists and editors looking for effective ways to connect with their audiences have a new resource. Pacesetters in Corporate Journalism, International Harvester Magazines--Reaching Readers through Photojournalism gives insight to the editorial philosophy of the International Harvester magazines and first-hand knowledge as to how they operated. Additionally, the book gives interesting behind the scenes information on stories selected from the magazines. The compelling, story-telling lessons learned by the International Harvester magazines are applicable to any media. Few corporate magazines connected with their readers like those produced by International Harvester in the 1950s and 1960s. With content that rivaled mainstream magazines like LIFE magazine, International Harvester World and IH Today took readers into the lives of International Harvester’s employees—from CEOs to factory workers, from behind the scenes at hard-nosed union negotiations to tender moments with employee loved ones. The magazines set standards for visual and corporate journalism. Under the direction of editors Gerald D. Hurley and Angus McDougall, International Harvester World and IH Today soon became pacesetters in corporate journalism. They became known for text that was tightly integrated with candid photography in clean, uncluttered layout. They set standards for visual journalism in their commitment to unbiased reporting.
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<p>The story of the four-wheel-drive tractors built by Steiger, International Harvester, Case, and Case IH is told in dramatic fashion in this authoritative guide. Starting with the development of early four-wheel-drive systems at International Harvester, the book traces the evolution and design some of the most powerful and capable tractors of the twentieth century. With fresh detail on the 4300, 4100, Steiger-built IH tractors, and the 2+2 tractors including the Super 70 series, the book offers prototype drawings of several models--including the complete story of the never-before-published Magnum 2+2-- as well as inside stories and backroom drama that is a must for any enthusiast for farm history or tractors. <br><br>Learn the complete story of Steiger tractors, which were originally designed and built in the barn of John, Douglass, and Maurice Steiger located near Red Lake Falls, Minnesota. Containing interviews with more than 50 of the people who built Steiger from its humble origin to a world leader, the book traces the evolution of the lime green Steigers in engrossing detail. The book also covers the J.I. Case 4WD line in great detail. In addition, the book tells the story of how each of these significant players in the industry combined under one banner and--together--created one of the current industry-leading technologies, the Quadtrac. The modern evolution of the Steigers and the introduction of the STX Series (and more) also receive in-depth coverage.<br><br>The same team that created the award-winning books Red Tractors 1958-2013 and Red Combines 1915-2015 created this book, and notable new contributors include Sherry Schaefer (editor of Heritage Iron magazine) and noted historian Jim Allen. Contributors include Sherry Schaefer, Oscar H. Will III, Jim Allen, Kenneth Updike, Todd Markle, Gregg Montgomery, Guy Fay, Martin Rickatson, Sarah Tomac, Matthias Buschmann, Jean Cointe, Michael Osweiler, and Johann Dittmer.</p>
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<p>This award-winning book chronicles the complete story of the red combine's impact on agriculture and society. Co-authored by long-time IH and Case IH product manager Gerry Salzman, Red Combines 1915-2020 is a unique collaboration that featured Klancher's storytelling ability and Salzman's knowledge from 42 years as an industry leader and insider. The book includes photographs and details about every International Harvester and Case IH combine built in the United States and abroad, and tells the story of the creation of the Axial-Flow combine, which was developed in a garage so secret only a few people knew it existed. The Axial-Flow combine was a technological leap that transformed the industry when introduced in 1977. The book covers the entire line of red combines, including the CBX, a top-secret mega-combine built in the 1990s. Also included is brief coverage of J.I. Case combines. Authored by Lee Klancher and the team of talented contributors who created the award-winning Red Tractors 1958-2013, this thorough and entertaining book is another captivating volume sure to please fans of agricultural equipment and farm history.</p>
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<p>This award-winning book chronicles the complete story of the red combine's impact on agriculture and society. Co-authored by long-time IH and Case IH product manager Gerry Salzman, Red Combines 1915-2020 is a unique collaboration that featured Klancher's storytelling ability and Salzman's knowledge from 42 years as an industry leader and insider. The book includes photographs and details about every International Harvester and Case IH combine built in the United States and abroad, and tells the story of the creation of the Axial-Flow combine, which was developed in a garage so secret only a few people knew it existed. The Axial-Flow combine was a technological leap that transformed the industry when introduced in 1977. The book covers the entire line of red combines, including the CBX, a top-secret mega-combine built in the 1990s. Also included is brief coverage of J.I. Case combines. Authored by Lee Klancher and the team of talented contributors who created the award-winning Red Tractors 1958-2013, this thorough and entertaining book is another captivating volume sure to please fans of agricultural equipment and farm history.</p>
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<p>This award-winning history of International Harvester and Case IH tractors includes data and photos of every model built from 1958, as well as in-depth information about how these tractors were designed and constructed.</p> <p>With interviews of engineers and executives, the book covers how the 40 and 60 series were created, and thoroughly covers the red tractors from the 1960s through the 1980s. The book also traces the innovations and struggles of the final days of International Harvester. The authors unearthed a treasure trove of concept drawings and photos of prototype machines to shed new light on how these tractors were created.</p> <p>The book includes the exciting story of the creation of the Case-IH Magnum, an innovative machine that blends some of the great engineering done by IH with the Cummins engine built by Case. The modern era of Case IH is also included, with the story of the creation of the Quadtrac as well as the entire line of tractors. With a mix of new photography of some of the most exceptional collectible models in existence along with hundreds of previously unpublished photographs, this thorough book is the most authoritative guide on red tractors ever published.</p>
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<p>This award-winning history of International Harvester and Case IH tractors includes data and photos of every model built from 1958, as well as in-depth information about how these tractors were designed and constructed.</p> <p>With interviews of engineers and executives, the book covers how the 40 and 60 series were created, and thoroughly covers the red tractors from the 1960s through the 1980s. The book also traces the innovations and struggles of the final days of International Harvester. The authors unearthed a treasure trove of concept drawings and photos of prototype machines to shed new light on how these tractors were created.</p> <p>The book includes the exciting story of the creation of the Case-IH Magnum, an innovative machine that blends some of the great engineering done by IH with the Cummins engine built by Case. The modern era of Case IH is also included, with the story of the creation of the Quadtrac as well as the entire line of tractors. With a mix of new photography of some of the most exceptional collectible models in existence along with hundreds of previously unpublished photographs, this thorough book is the most authoritative guide on red tractors ever published.</p>
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<p>On the farm fields of the late 1970s and early 1980s, the stakes had never been higher. The era marked one of the hardest economic environments of the twentieth century, and two of the world's toughest competitors were locked in a high-horsepower arms race to create the world's best piece of agricultural equipment. For John Deere, winning meant maintaining global dominance. For International Harvester, winning would mean survival. For all the other ag equipment makers--well, it was mostly bad news. </p><p>In a big money game of poker, the two top makers bet on various new technologies and raced to build the best one first. The new machines were designed and built in secret spaces, then tested in dark pastures and remote corners of the world. They were transported carefully covered under tarps and rail cars . . . all in effort to keep them from the prying eyes and nimble cameras of the competition. </p><p>In this rollicking trip back in time, the salesman, engineers, and executives who played the game offer firsthand accounts of how and why this techno-turf war was fought. As the game escalated, one salesman took matters into his own hands. In the name of company loyalty, he crossed a line he shouldn't have and found himself deep in enemy territory. </p><p>The book includes never-before-published images of facilities and equipment, engineering design details, a look at company culture at the ag equipment companies, quotes from interviews with engineers, salespeople, and leaders of both International Harvester and John Deere, as well as insight into the events that led International Harvester to fail. If you love agriculture, history, or a zesty read, this book is for you! </p>
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This is the story of the Deering family which became one of the richest families in the US during the first half of the Twentieth Century. It is the story of William Deering who risked his already substantial fortune by investing in a small company in Illinois which was manufacturing a reaper for the farming industry in America. Deering's business ability and his willingness to take on risk resulted in his being the sole owner of the Deering Harvesting Company. His company was second only to the largest farm equipment manufacturer, the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company. The Deering family and the McCormick families, both located in the Chicago area, were major rivals and fierce competitors. In 1902 the J. P. Morgan organization was successful in merging the two, giant farm equipment manufactures into one company to be known as International Harvester. International Harvester became the fourth largest corporation in the US by 1909, and the Deering family owned approximately one-third of that company. You will see how the Deering family blended into management of this giant corporation, their accomplishments both within the company and most importantly their philanthropic and other endeavors. The story will be told of the huge mansions the Deerings built, the changing relationships between the McCormicks and the Deerings and the major philanthropic and charitable efforts they have and continue to support. When one learns the story of these two families, one also learns the story of the huge corporation named International Harvester. "The McCormicks of International Harvester" written by Ray Burhop, tells the story of the McCormick family. This book can be considered the companion to that book as it completes the story of the two families which were the catalyst and driving force in the creation of International Harvester Corporation.
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<p>The Farmall Dynasty is a dramatic account of the developmental history of the tractors built by the dominant agricultural manufacturer of the early twentieth century, International Harvester. The book traces the evolution of the Farmall tractor from the early Titans and Moguls through to modern times.The book includes well-researched accounts of the development of the original Farmall, the Letter Series, 4100, Cub, and other legendary IHC tractors, with first-hand accounts from factory engineers describing the challenges they faced.</p>--Lee Klancher
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This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.
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This is a story of the McCormick family with its roots on a Virginia plantation in the 1830's. It is the story of Cyrus Hall McCormick and his family which evolved from that plantation to become one of the richest and most influential families in the US. The influence of this family has been felt around the world. The McCormick name can be placed alongside other influential family names such as Carnegie, Ford, Edison, Rockefeller, and J. P. Morgan.Cyrus H McCormick developed the reaper harvester machine which revolutionized farming worldwide. Cyrus, along with his brothers Leander and William established the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company. This company rapidly expanded and eventually became the basis for the International Harvesting Co. which at one time was the fourth largest corporation in the United States. While there are many facets of the McCormicks which will be touched upon in this book, it concentrates on the family as it relates to the development, success and demise of the original International Harvester Company. The story of the McCormick family and the story of International Harvester are embedded and cannot be successfully separated. It is the story of the McCormick family members who served as the chief executive managers and chief operations managers of McCormick Harvesting Machine Co. and International Harvester. It also tells of other McCormicks who distinguished themselves through achievements of great wealth and social influence.
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<b>"Mr. Dahlstrom...has written a superb history of the tractor and this long-forgotten period of capitalism in U.S. agriculture. We now know the whole story of when farming, business and the free-market economy diverged, divided and conquered." <b>—<i>Wall Street Journal</i><br></b><br><b>Discover the untold story of the “tractor wars,” the twenty-year period that introduced power farming—the most fundamental change in world agriculture in hundreds of years.</b></b><br><br>Before John Deere, Ford, and International Harvester became icons of American business, they were competitors in a forgotten battle for the farm. From 1908-1928, against the backdrop of a world war and economic depression, these brands were engaged in a race to introduce the tractor and revolutionize farming. <br><br> By the turn of the twentieth century, four million people had left rural America and moved to cities, leaving the nation’s farms shorthanded for the work of plowing, planting, cultivating, harvesting, and threshing. That’s why the introduction of the tractor is an innovation story as essential as man’s landing on the moon or the advent of the internet—after all, with the tractor, a shrinking farm population could still feed a growing world. But getting the tractor from the boardroom to the drafting table, then from factory and the farm, was a technological and competitive battle that until now, has never been fully told.<br> <br>A researcher, historian, and writer, Neil Dahlstrom has spent decades in the corporate archives at John Deere. In <i>Tractor Wars</i>, Dahlstrom offers an insider’s view of a story that entwines a myriad of brands and characters, stakes and plots: the Reverend Daniel Hartsough, a pastor turned tractor designer; Alexander Legge, the eventual president of International Harvester, a former cowboy who took on Henry Ford; William Butterworth and the oft-at-odds leadership team at John Deere that partnered with the enigmatic Ford but planned for his ultimate failure. <br><br>With all the bitterness and drama of the race between Ford, Dodge, and General Motors, <i>Tractor Wars</i> is the untold story of industry stalwarts and disruptors, inventors, and administrators racing to invent modern agriculture—a power farming revolution that would usher in a whole new world.
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Introduced in 1922, International Harvester's Farmall tractor was an inexpensive, lightweight, general-purpose, row-crop tractor that revolutionized farming around the world. In this tribute, abundant illustrations accompany the text in celebration of the Farmall and other International Harvester tr
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International Harvester's Farmall tractor revolutionised farming around the world. Introduced in 1922, it was an inexpensive, lightweight, general-purpose, row-crop tractor that could literally farm all. Through the years, the Farmall became one of the world's most popular tractors. This book showcases collectible International Harvester tractors from the 1910s to the 1960s, including the famous Farmall, as well as other International Harvester and McCormick-Deering models. Readers will be captivated by Ralph Sander's detailed history and outstanding colour and black-and-white photographs, historical ads, and brochures of what was the world's best-selling tractor as well as a leader in innovation and engineering.
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Apparent first edition hardcover
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