Making Steel: Sparrows Point and the Rise and Ruin of American Industrial Might

by Mark Reutter

Making Steel chronicles the rise and fall of American steel by focusing on the fateful decisions made at the world's once largest steel mill at Sparrows Point, Maryland. Mark Reutter examines the business, production, and daily lives of workers as corporate leaders became more interested in their own security and enrichment than in employees, community, or innovative technology. This edition features 26 pages of photos, an author's preface, and a new chapter on the devastating effects of Bethlehem Steel's bankruptcy titled "The Discarded American Worker."
 

496 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2005

Reviews

[Maksym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extensive insight on an industry I saw regularly growing up but knew little about. Incredible storytelling by Mark on the executives who laid a foundation for success and those leading to its demise. 2003-2004 is when the book closes. A follow up on the current state of the industry from Mark is requested or at least a handful of articles. Really captivating writer on the inter-workings of business. Hope the larger cities effected by the steel behemoths continue their assent into an era of rebirth.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books on the steel industry. After launching into a basic history of steel making, the author delves into why Sparrows Point in Baltimore was one of the biggest integrated steel plants in the US and then to its decline into a big rusting pile outside of Baltimore's glittering Inner Harbor today. A good read of a sad tale.