“A PROFOUND INFLUENCE ON MODERN MANAGEMENT THOUGHT”: TAYLOR’S PRINCIPLES OF SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT

TAYLOR, Frederick Winslow. The Principles of Scientific Management. New York and London: Harper & Brothers, 1911. Octavo, contemporary three-quarter green morocco, raised bands, marbled boards and endpapers, top edge gilt. $1800.

First trade edition of this enormously influential and pioneering study of industrial management and efficiency, handsomely bound.

Based upon years of study at the Midvale Steel factory, this was among the first, and remains the greatest, of works designed to increase the efficiency and productivity of the modern workplace. “The achievement for which Taylor is most remembered was his development of ‘scientific management,” a principle often referred to as ‘Taylorism’ that was based on his careful “time and motion” studies of every step and operation in the manufacturing process (DSB). “His system was based on what he estimated to be a fair day’s work and the best means of ensuring a standard of production” (PMM 403). “Through it he hoped to end class conflict and establish social justice. Although these larger goals were not achieved, Taylor’s system had a profound influence on modern management thought” (DSB). Preceded only by private first printing. Norman 2059. Books That Changed America 17. From the library of George F. Steele, with his bookplate, front board with gilt-lettered "G.F. Steele." Steele was Secretary of the Newsprint Manufacturer's Association (1915-17) when it was targeted by the government for violation of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. Steele escaped indictment when he testified before "the Grant Jury and supplied many facts needed by the government in its investigation" (New York Times).

A fine copy with an interesting association, handsomely bound.