Under the Influence: The Unauthorized Story of the Anheuser-Busch Dynasty

Probably the best thing about this history of the Anheuser-Busch dynasty is that it's a good companion history of America itself, at least in the last 150 years. That's because the two families and the company traveled alongside this country -- through the robber-baron years, the roaring '20s, prohibition, the depression and the high-water post-war era into the politically correct "80s and '"90s. It was fun to learn about the legal and cultural nuances of prohibition through the lens of a a big-time beer-maker. (I don't think I've ever read anything of substance about "the noble experiment"). The marketing battles are interesting, especially between the established "King of Beers" and the emerging rival Miller in the '70s and '80s. But juicier still are some of the scandals and tragedies that rocked the family throughout its long history. The Busches seemed like a sad bunch, graceless in their overwhelming and relatively newfound wealth and influence.

Some interesting parallels between the Busches and the Kennedys... Kind of ironic that while Budweiser is the drink of the working class and blue-collar people, the Busches seem completely out of touch with them...but that isn't surprising: most rich people live in a different world... August Busch IV, the current head of A-B, comes off as a pretty seady, unsavory character... Unprosecuted vehicular manslaughter and fleeing from St. Louis police... Would be interesting to get the take of natives of St. Louis as to the influence of the Busches... Willing to bet they have the run of the roost...

I thought this book brought forward some great facts concerning A-B. The book is well written with a sense of drama added. I really enjoyed reading this one.