Book excerpt: Studebaker was in the vehicle business for 114 years and has a fascinating history that has been told numerous times by a variety of authors. This book does not retell the grand sweep of the company's history, but instead it fills in the corners, illuminating Studebaker's history with anecdotes, stories and interesting details that other authors either missed or omitted. For instance, it includes biographies of twenty-seven other companies that Studebaker and the Studebaker family were involved in. It extensively traces the growth and development of Studebaker in New York City, probably the company's most important market. It tells the story of a dog fancier. It covers more than fifteen stories of crimes committed with or involving Studebaker cars. And it includes much more, all related to the years between 1852 and 1930, the company's early years.