A Road Well Traveled

Profiles of America's Great Automobile Pioneers

By: Daniel Alef

Narrated by: Baron Ron Herron

The great American automotive pioneers were entrepreneurial inventors and visionaries who changed the American landscape and brought us a new national culture. The dawn of the automobile ushered away the ubiquitous horse-drawn carriages and the rutted, dusty and wash-boarded dirt roads they traveled on, and replaced them with cars powered by steam, electricity and gasoline. These pioneers lifted the veil of isolation that enveloped most pre-20th century Americans and made it possible for the average person to travel whenever and wherever he or she pleased.

Written by award-winning author and syndicated columnist Daniel Alef, who has written more than 300 biographical profiles of America's great tycoons, and narrated by radio personality Baron Ron Herron, A Road Well Traveled offers many lessons to be draw from these pioneers and the fascinating lives they led. Some became fabulously wealthy; others died in obscurity. But they developed America's largest industry in the space of one generation and demonstrated the skills and characteristics necessary to achieve such success. Their audacity, determination, perseverance, work-ethic, and passion were unassailable. These pioneers were undaunted by any and all obstacles in their path. Their stories are instructive and absorbing.

©2008 Daniel Alef (P)2008 Daniel Alef

See that picture of Elon Musk on the cover?

See that picture of Elon Musk on the cover? ... he is not in the book! Overall, the book is OK... with short accounts of early pioneers.... cribbing much of it's content from noted auto historians Beverly Ray Kimes & Charles K Hyde The title says the book is "Volumes I and II" but there is only one book (of any type) on the Amazon or Audible store. Why would you put somebody on the cover who is not in the book? Must be to sell (audio) books. Anyway - it is not worth the audible credit to buy and is likely worth $4.99 vs $20.

The Story of American Automobiles

Where does A Road Well Traveled rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Its right up there among the finest!

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Road Well Traveled?

How all the men, while producing vastly different cars had similar back grounds excitingly creating vehicles that to this day have an impact on us...

Which scene was your favorite?

The bio on the Duesenberg and Packer men and cars.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The Greatest American Automobiles

Any additional comments?

Make a film about this book, it would be awesome - so much insight and history!

5 Hours of Listening Pleasure!

What did you love best about A Road Well Traveled?

The various biographies of men who made the automobiles, and how these various lives intertwined to create companies that lasted decades, and some over a century. Most of these men came from similar backgrounds, and worked hard to make it in a serious competition to stand out in the crowd. It seems many of these men have been forgotten to us today, but their stories are worth hearing, and appreciating.

What other book might you compare A Road Well Traveled to and why?

Engines of Change (by Paul Ingrassia). While Paul Ingrassia takes on 15 significant automobiles, and goes into even more details on the "fine 15", both books appreciate the hard work put forth by many men, and the difference their automobiles made.

What does Baron Ron Herron bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It's a pleasure listening, and the voice fits the stories.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I had the time, yes. I listened to it in my car every moment I was driving.

Any additional comments?

If you love automobiles (I do), and love can-do spirit of men at the turn of the 19th Century, than you will appreciate this book.