Elizabeth Athens Books

The Color Line and the Assembly Line tells a new story of the impact of mass production on society. Global corporations based originally in the United States have played a part in making gender and race everywhere. Focusing on Ford Motor Company’s rise to become the largest, richest, and most influential corporation in the world, The Color Line and the Assembly Line takes on the traditional story of Fordism. Contrary to popular thought, the assembly line was perfectly compatible with all manner of racial practice in the United States, Brazil, and South Africa. Each country’s distinct racial hierarchies in the 1920s and 1930s informed Ford’s often divisive labor processes. Confirming racism as an essential component in the creation of global capitalism, Elizabeth Esch also adds an important new lesson showing how local patterns gave capitalism its distinctive features.

The book delves into Winslow Homer's transformative experiences in England and their profound impact on his artistic development. It examines the cultural and environmental influences that shaped his work during this period, highlighting key themes and artistic techniques that emerged from his time abroad. Through detailed analysis, the narrative reveals how these experiences enriched Homer's legacy and contributed to his status as a pivotal figure in American art.