Yesterday, after bringing you the first of what was supposed to three Review Roundup installments, our internet service decided to take a holiday, thus preventing any subsequent stories.  A few calls to our ISP and one technician's visit later, we're back this morning, and everything appears to be in tip top shape.  So for those of you awaiting the next two batches of Mercedes reviews:  we apologize for the delay, and we'll get them to you immediately following this story.  But before we do, I wanted to take a moment to post an article of a different yet equally interesting nature. 

In 1986, Mercedes-Benz of North America teamed up with journalist Beverly Rae Kimes and art director Harris Lewine to create a book entitled The Star and the Laurel.  The brainchild of Leo Levine, head of the MB North America’s public relations department between 1969 and 1988, the book was published to celebrate the centenary of the automobile, and features a roughly 360 page look at the history of the automobile, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz pioneering roles in creating it, and the eventual merger of both men's companies to form Daimler-Benz AG.

It's a fantastic read, as it provides a remarkable look at the many facets of the company's history.  Even more exciting, however, is the fact that should you desire to read it for yourself, we've got it, available here for free download in eBook format.  It's a big file – roughly 175 MB's – but if you've never read The Star and the Laurel, I highly recommend that you download it.  To do so, simply click the link below to view it in PDF format, or right click and choose the "Download Linked File" or similar option to download it and save it onto your computer.

If you're on the fence as to whether or not to download The Star and the Laurel, I've also included a portion of the first chapter below as well (click any photo to enlarge), thus giving you a brief preview of what to expect from the book.

So without further ado, The Star and the Laurel eBook.  Enjoy ladies and gentlemen.

» Download the complete The Star and the Laurel eBook in PDF format












































» Download the complete The Star and the Laurel eBook in PDF format



OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Mercedes-Benz eBook: The Star and the Laurel

In 1986 the automobile celebrated its centenary – to mark the occasion American journalist Beverly Rae Kimes and art director Harris Lewine brought out their book The Star and the Laurel. Published by Mercedes-Benz of North America, it was the brainchild of Leo Levine, head of the company’s public relations department between 1969 and 1988. Since then it has been regarded as the standard work on the history of Daimler-Benz AG, charting the course of events right up to the centenary in 1986.

The book devotes its first chapters to the early days of automotive history, highlighting the roles of Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz. In 1886, the two – working independently of one another – invented the automobile, an achievement that finds an echo in the book's title: Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft has been using the star as its trademark since 1909; Benz & Cie. similarly adopted the laurel back in 1909. In 1926 the two companies merged to create Daimler-Benz AG, with their respective brand insignias coming together to create the trademark that to this day epitomises Mercedes-Benz, one of the world's most prominent brands.

In The Star and the Laurel the author not only charts the company's multifaceted history in rich detail, but also brings a style and vocabulary to the writer's task that turns the book – albeit published only in English – into an unmissable read. The superbly crafted copy is complemented by a series of historic photos that revive period atmosphere and contemporary history in a unique way.

Daimler AG's publication of this book in its digital library once again opens up The Star and the Laurel to a wide audience.  The book runs to around 360 pages. The PDF file is 175 MB and may take some time to download.

Copyright © 2008, Daimler AG