Description
Scarce 1939 “If I Were 21” offprint pamphlet by William S. Knudsen, President of General Motors, as told to Beverly Smith, and reprinted from The American Magazine. This is a strong piece of prewar American industrial and vocational history, centered on Knudsen’s advice to young people about practical work, mechanical skill, and ambition in a modern industrial age.
Knudsen is an important figure in American business history, and this booklet captures his thinking at a pivotal moment just before the wartime production era. That gives it appeal not only to General Motors and automobilia collectors, but also to buyers interested in labor history, vocational education, Americana, and Depression-era social thought.
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Original 1939 staple-bound offprint pamphlet
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Written by William S. Knudsen, then President of General Motors
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Reprinted from v, June 1939
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Notable for its advocacy of skilled trades, mechanical work, and practical education
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A desirable crossover item for collectors of GM history, industrial history, labor ephemera, and vintage Americana
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Plain wrapper format gives it the character of a true period distribution piece rather than a later reprint
Condition is vintage and honest, with general age wear, light creasing, toning, and handling wear from age and storage. It presents well as a scarce original historical pamphlet and remains an appealing copy for collectors. Please view all the photos carefully for condition and detail.
