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T R A N S C R
I P T O F R
E V I E W
Choice Reviews - Science & Technology,
March 2006
Jacobus, John L., The Fisher Body Craftsman
Guild, An Illustrated History, McFarland,
2005. 331p bibl index afp ISBN 0786417196,
$49.85
Retired automobile safety engineer Jacobus
offers a wonderfully researched, diligently
executed piece of social and automotive
history. The Fisher Body Division of General
Motors sponsored an automobile design competition
for teenagers beginning in the 1930s and
ending in 1968. A number of contestants
went to work for GM, and the guild was seen
as General Motors helping teens and assisting
cooperation with the company. In the 1930s
the young designers were asked to build
a miniature model of a Napoleonic coach
(yes, the same one used as a crest on the
doorsills of the early Chevrolet, Buick,
etc.). The coach evolved into an original
model designed and built from scratch according
to strict guidelines. The numerous winners
received scholarships and some job offers.
This is the one book written about the guild,
for now and evermore, one could say, with
all a reader needs to know. The many pictures
of the models and makers provide a very
real glimpse of history-how people looked
and dressed, and the cars of teens' dreams.
Unique, real American history, and great
fun. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General
readers; lower-division undergraduates through
professionals.- C.J. Myers, St. Peter's
College
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