Power of Speech. A History of Standard Telephones and Cables. 1883-1983

London England: George Allen & Unwin, 1983. How does a two-man, one-boy office become one of Britain's major companies? This is the story of Standard Telephones and Cables, established in 1883 as an agency of the American giant, Western Electric, to market the telephone - barely seven years after it had been patented by Alexander Graham Bell. Today STC is one of Britain's largest and most profitable telecommunications companies. To mark its centenary, the company has taken a long look at its first hundred years - and has found a tale worth telling. Throughout a strong narrative, continuing themes recur: the developing role of telecommunications in society, business opportunities seized and missed, changes in working conditions, attitudes to trade unions, the background of inventors and inventions, changing relationships with the company's American parents, the influences of customers and governments. This book will be read by those interested in social and business history, as well as by the many who have some connection with what has long been an international name in communications technology. A centenary provides an opportunity to re-evaluate the past, and prepare for a future in which telecommunications technologies seem certain to change all our lives. For STC, as for everyone, the ability to adapt to change will be the key to success. Slight foxing to end pages and edges. Very slight shelf wear to top edge and corners of D/J.. First Edition. Cloth. Very Good/Good. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Hardback.