The GG authors mention several books that "contributed significantly" to their thinking.
One book that also could have helped is: "Titan," by Ron Chernow.
It illustrates how Rockefeller used mathematics to liberate his company from Wall Street. How he concentrated the corporation's energies on high-margin products, from kerosene, to lubricants, to refined oil. And it clarifies how the strategic design of his company (which was eventually split out into 34 oil companies, including Exxon, Mobil, Chevron, Pennzoil, Amoco, Esso, Arco, and others) resulted in an unbelievable creation of shareholder wealth.
As Tom Gardner puts it, "Had Titan been published in 1985, we all would've bought Microsoft in 1986. And held on tight."
If Uncle Frank and Co. happened to read this book before the GG, this thread would likely have been called "Titan."
--Ruth |
