From Cotton Mill to Business Empire

Discover the fascinating journey of the Dasheng Cotton Mill in Elisabeth Köll's insightful book, From Cotton Mill to Business Empire. Published by Harvard University in 2004, this hardback edition spans 448 pages and offers a detailed exploration of the mill's evolution under the visionary leadership of founder Zhang Jian (1853-1926) and his successors. Köll meticulously documents the rise of regional enterprises, illustrating how local businesses transformed into powerful empires from the 1890s until the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. This compelling narrative not only sheds light on the textile industry but also provides a broader understanding of China's economic history during a pivotal era. Ideal for those interested in business, economics, and the historical context of industrial growth in China, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to grasp the complexities of planned economies and industrial studies.