In Search of Excellence: Lessons from America’s Best-Run Companies.

PETERS, Thomas J. and Robert H. Waterman.

Item Number: 89141

New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1982.

First edition of one of the best-selling business books of all time. Octavo, original half-cloth. Inscribed by Thomas J. Peters in the year of publication on the front free endpaper, “For Hank, who has preached these themes with great skill for years. Best wishes, Tom Peters 10/23/82.” Laid in is a hand-written note on Thomas J. Peters’ letterhead signed by him, “Hank Riggs. Hank, The book form of the excellent company stuff. Hope you enjoy it. Tom 10/23” accompanied by one of Peters’ business cards. The recipient, Henry (Hank) Riggs was a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, professor, writer, and leader in higher education. He began teaching at Stanford in 1957 and Harvard Business School in 1960 and in 1983 became Stanford’s Vice President for Development. Fine in a fine dust jacket. First printings are rare, signed copies exceptionally so.

One of the best-selling business books of all time, Peters and Waterman's In Search of Excellence sold over 3 million copies in its first four years. A hard, critical look at management techniques used by more than forty American businesses, the book explores the secrets to successful management and corporate productivity. "Every manager will discover numerous instantly useful lessons in this book...an American book about American business excellence" (Thomas C. Theobald).