business adventures

Business Adventures by John Brooks is a collection of twelve articles originally published in The New Yorker in the 1960s. Each article focuses on a different business or financial event and the people involved, providing a snapshot of the business world during that era. The book is often cited as a classic in business literature and has been recommended by the likes of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.

The book covers a range of topics, from the stock market crash of 1962 to the rise of Xerox and its copying machine technology. The stories are told in a narrative style that brings the events to life and makes them accessible to a general audience, even if they have little knowledge of finance or business.

One of the most famous chapters in the book is “The Fate of the Edsel,” which chronicles the failure of Ford’s much-hyped new car model. The article explores the reasons behind the car’s failure, including the decision to release it during a recession and the company’s inability to market it effectively. The chapter has become a classic case study in business schools and is still relevant today in discussions of product development and marketing.

Another notable chapter is “Xerox Xerox Xerox Xerox,” which tells the story of the rise of Xerox and its copier technology. The article explores how the company came to dominate the market and the challenges it faced in maintaining its position in the face of competition.

Overall, Business Adventures offers a unique perspective on the business world of the 1960s and provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that businesses face. The book’s narrative style makes it an engaging read, and the lessons it offers are still relevant today.