Ultimate John Deere

I knew very little about the history of the Deere & Company until I read this book. I was interested in learning more because my parents each grew up on farms, and often refer to their early experiences with plows and tractors. Now, I can discuss their experiences in a reasonable fashion. I'm also interested in how companies innovate, this book is a fine source of information on the revolutionary and evolutionary changes in the Deere product line. The book also details the organizational development of Deere & Company and its CEOs. That was also valuable information for me.As rich as the text is, the photographs are even better. I especially enjoyed seeing how changes in various functional and aesthetic characteristics occurred. The streamlining and adding of comfortable seats with back supports are particularly striking. I also enjoyed how the engine design was improved.There were only two weaknesses in the book. First, there could have been a little more information about how competitors were doing at the same time. Those references that are included are fascinating. Second, many of the advertisements are reproduced in such a small size that you cannot read the copy. I would encourage you to also look for books that connect to your family's heritage that can make the past come alive as this fine book does!

Mr. Sanders has created a book that needs to be part of anyone's collection of books documenting antique tractor power. Each of the 150+ photographs of restored John Deere tractors are absolutely superb and demonstrate the author's skills as a photographer. The original ads and brochures included throughout the pages are a nice addition, although the text is often too small to read in some of them. Aside from the grahics, the text is well written and the chapters are logically arranged according to the stages of John Deere tractor development. I particulary enjoyed how the book included both the history of the Deere organization and the history of the general agricultural trends that helped shape the company's decisions. The author has even set aside pages devoted specifically to address certain special topics, such as the arrival of the early motor cultivators, and the partnership with Deere and the Dreyfuss organization to add styling to the original "A" and "B" models. For those enthusiasts interested in detailed documentation of serial number records and such, other resources may be more appropriate, but for those of us who enjoy a readable history with excellent photos along the way, this book is excellent.