The Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review

In this comprehensive, extensively researched history he profiles the Singer Company's succession of presidents and describes how the company developed marketing and sales strategies, spurred a new, technically-grounded workforce, became a top multinational, diversified as a space age defense contractor by the 1970s and began a subsequent decline.

Reference and Research Book News

On the grounds of extensive research, Bissell makes the case that the Singer Sewing Machine Company was a leader in the industrialization leading to rising standards of living for the masses of average persons from before the Civil War and continuing well into the 20th century. The Company was a leader not only in developing the sewing machine providing well-made, mass-produced clothing, but also in creating a large labor force, implementing progressive employee and business practices, and standing as a model for other companies formed in the course of industrialization. Singer's reputation and success suffered a severe setback in 1987 after a hostile takeover by Paul Bilzerian, who was later indicted on tax and securities violations. For following the Singer Sewing Machine Company from its founding until today, Bissell's history of this major American Company is the definitive book on this subject.

Henry Berry, Book Reviewer, Editor/Publisher, The Small Press Book Review

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Isaac Merritt Singer (1811-1875)
• 3. The Sewing Machine's Historical Significance
• 4. The Edward S. Clark Era (1851-1882)
• 5. The George Ross McKenzie Era (1882-1889)
• 6. The Frederick Gilbert Bourne Era (1889-1905)
• 7. The Sir Douglas Alexander Era (1905-1949)
• 8. The Milton C. Lightner Era (1949-1958)
• 9. The Donald P. Kircher Era (1958-1975)
• 10. The Joseph Bernard Flavin Era (1975-1987)
• 11. The Paul Bilzerian Era (1987-1987)
• 12. The James H. Ting Era (1989- )
• Endnotes
• Service Years of Singer Company Presidents
• Author's Working Timeline
• Selected Bibliography
• Index