In this collection of thirty-eight essays, Paul Bodine chronicles the often tumultuous history of key American companies from their inception to their dynamic present. From prominent industry giants like Qualcomm and Bloomberg to lesser-known leaders like Alex Lee Inc. and Standex International, these essays capture major trends, technologies, and personalities that have helped make the American business model the envy of the world. From the rise of DVDs, mobile telephony, and digital data to the evolution of steel minimills, enterprise resource planning software, and the convenience store, this collection provides vivid slices of the spirit, ingenuity, and drama of America's business history. A bonus section includes profiles of six leading European firms.