The Unknown Iacocca

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

When his subject refused to grant an interview, Wyden (Bay of Pigs, Day One, etc.) turned to the published record and quotes from relatives, friends, associates, competitors, journalists and psychologists for this biography of Lido Anthony ``Lee'' Iacocca, the Ford Motor Company president who in 1978 was fired, went on to lead the foundering Chrysler Corporation back to health with an unprecedented federal government assist, wrote a collaborative autobiography selling in the millions and now, as Mr. Can-Do of American business, is perceived as a tentative, still enigmatic but potentially formidable U.S. Presidential candidate. Wyden describes Iacocca as a shy, striving child driven by an energetic immigrant father; an old-style Italian family man unable, when widowed, to stay married to a younger, more modern woman; an irresistible salesman rising through Ford dealership ranks; and, finally, as a vigorous, innovative executive, persistent, proud, patriotic, irascible, charismatic, fascinated with making automobiles. Photos not seen by PW. First serial to the New York Times Book Review and Detroit Free Press. (November 9)

Library Journal

Iacocca presented Lee Iacocca on his own terms, says Wyden, who proceeds to take us beyond ``The Book'' for a look at the private as well as the public Iacocca and the driving forces behind his career, leadership style, and values. Wyden examines Iacocca's Achilles heelshis safety record, Henry Ford's investigation, and his second marriagebut reports no real dirt. He devotes considerable space to assessing the Iacocca for President non-campaign and his suitability for public office. Based on extensive interviews (except with Iacocca) and on books and articles, this book offers a valuable commentary on Iacocca and a worthy companion to ``The Book.'' Highly recommended. Elin B. Christianson, Library Consultant, Hobart, Ind.