Jonathan Miller on Urban Real Estate

The Reckoning is a comprehensive study of the automotive industry, comparing the decline of the American auto industry, particularly Ford, with the rise of the Japanese auto industry, exemplified by Nissan. Written by David Halberstam, the book is part of his trilogy on the forces of power in America and offers a detailed, well-researched account of the industrial and cultural factors that led to the shift in global automotive dominance. The book is praised for its insightful and engaging narrative, which includes profiles of key figures and ordinary workers, providing a rich historical context of the industry's transformation in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

This book chronicles the life of Harley Earl, a pivotal figure in the rise of General Motors, and explores his impact on the American automotive industry. It delves into Earl's design innovations, his role in shaping GM's success, and the broader context of the industry's evolution during his time. The book also touches on the rivalry between GM and Ford, as well as the cultural and historical backdrop of the era.