Colossus

In his sweeping history of the rise of the American corporation, Jack Beatty weaves together historical source material with his own insightful analysis to illuminate how the power of big business has dramatically altered the nation’s political and economic landscape. From its beginnings in the 17th century through today, Beatty illustrates how big business has come to loom so colossus-like over the economy, society, culture, and politics. Through his introduction and explication of a selection of historical source material—including historical and contemporary documents, opinion pieces, reportage, biographies, company histories—Beatty demonstrates how it is the American corporation that has been at once a catalyst for change in modern America, as well as a threat to individual freedom and democracy.