In "The Industrialists," Jennifer A. Delton masterfully chronicles the paradoxical journey of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), an entity at the heart of American economic prowess and political controversy. Founded in 1895, NAM was pivotal in establishing manufacturing as the backbone of the U.S. economy, advocating for free enterprise and corporate interests while simultaneously pushing for progressive workplace reforms. Delton navigates through the organization's complex history, from its inception through to its role in the global market dynamics of today, presenting a nuanced view of an institution known both for its staunch anti-union stance and its advocacy for safety standards, workers' comp, and affirmative action. Delton's narrative captures the essence of NAM's impact on modern capitalism and its inherent contradictions that fueled both the meteoric rise and the gradual decline of American manufacturing jobs. As the tale unfolds, readers are taken on a journey from the Progressive Era, through the New Deal, past the Reagan Revolution, and into the Trump presidency, tracing how NAM's efforts to modernize and globalize not only made American industry a midcentury titan but also sowed the seeds for the deindustrialization crisis that followed. "The Industrialists" offers a compelling look at how one influential organization could champion the growth of a nation's economy while inadvertently laying the groundwork for its own industry's downfall.