The Factory Man: How One Furniture Maker Battled Offshoring, Stayed Local - and Helped Save an American Town by Beth Macy 338.7 Mac

Rather a long subtitle but it gives you an idea of the book's theme!  You probably know that the furniture industry has been devastated over the past decades and you probably know some of the reasons.  Ms. Macy traces the history of the Bassett Furniture Company located in Bassett, Virginia.  Since the town was named after the family you can guess how influential and important the family was.  The founders of this company were varied, interesting and often not very nice. There are family feuds of course!

It was sad to read about the destruction of this industry - but it was heartening to read about John Bassett III.  He was part of the third generation of Bassetts (I guess that's why he has the III!).  As his factory was less able to compete he decided to do something about it and saved hundreds of jobs in his little town.

This was a fascinating story behind an American industry - and you might not enjoy your cheap imported furniture as much when you read about the working conditions in which it was made!  (and yes I am as guilty as the next guy.......but I'll think twice before I buy my next piece of furniture.)