The Defender: The Story of General Dynamics
Franklin's book is another study of General Dynamics, following Jacob Goodwin's Brotherhood of Arms ( LJ 8/85). Both look at defense contracting and both are histories but this is a more usual narrative history. Franklin traces the firm's history from early days of the Electric Boat Company and the first subs to the most recent projects. One might wish for a fuller account of the Convair aircraft division of GD but well told are the blunders of the jetliner decision that took GD out of the civil market altogether. Well told too are the stories of the people who led GD. Interesting and recommended for general readers.Gerald N. Sandvick, Associate Dean, North Hennepin Community Coll., Brooklyn Park, Minn.Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.