Why people recommend it
The Profiteers by Sally Denton is a historical nonfiction work that examines the rise and influence of the Bechtel corporation and its deep involvement in major American infrastructure and government projects. On the podcast The Ezra Klein Show, during the episode titled How the $500 Billion Attention Industry Really Works on February 17, 2023, guest Tim Huang recommended the book during the program's closing segments. Tim Huang brought up Sally Denton's work to highlight the historical intersection of private enterprise, corporate power, and massive public works in the United States. He specifically noted that the publication centers on Bechtel, identifying the entity as one of the prominent corporate giants that played a pivotal role in constructing monumental civil engineering marvels such as the Hoover Dam. By recommending this text, Huang drew attention to the intricate relationships between large corporations and government contracting, illustrating how foundational infrastructure projects helped shape the modern corporate landscape and the broader American economy. The book serves as an important exploration of corporate influence and industrial history, offering readers a detailed look at the mechanisms through which powerful firms grew into major global contractors, cementing their status in the annals of twentieth-century American economic development.
Who recommended it
- Tim Huang Recommended
Tim Huang — 1 mention
“so there's a great book I'd recommend by Sally Denton called the profiteers which is about this company Bechtel which is one of the big companies that helped build the Hoover Dam”