United States Steel: A Corporation with a Soul

A historical account written in the early 20th century, specifically 1921. The work explores the foundational story of the United States Steel Corporation, emphasizing the interplay between corporate development and the broader context of the steel industry in America. Through the narrative, Cotter suggests that behind the formidable corporate structure lies a sense of ethics and responsibility, advocating for a perception of the corporation not merely as a business entity but as an institution with moral obligations towards its employees and society. The opening of the book establishes a clear framework for understanding the significance of the United States Steel Corporation within the larger narrative of American industrialization. It introduces Elbert H. Gary, the chairman and chief executive officer, whose vision and leadership are depicted as instrumental in shaping the corporation’s ethos. The prologue suggests that the corporation, which dwarfed its competitors in size and influence, also sought to redefine corporate responsibility by promoting fair competition and transparency in business practices. This veritable blend of corporate ambition and social consciousness lays the groundwork for the detailed history that follows, tracing the evolution of the steel industry's practices and its prominent figures, foreshadowing the in-depth examination of events leading to the establishment of this industrial giant.