Fluid Power, The Hidden Giant, John J. Pippenger, P.E., C.F.P.E., 1992, Amalgam, Hardcover, 9 x 11 1/4 inches, 503 pages, $100 (plus $10 shipping)

Forward:    Looking back over affiliations spanning more than a half century can be both nostalgic and enlightening. That meager written history enshrined in corporate archives is easily lost in the move to new quarters under the guidance of of ever-changing managaments. This collection of corporate histories belongs in the public sector; in public and private libraries. To many it will be a refreshing look at their youthful affiliations. To others it will be a window into the early history of technological developments in this fascinating industry. This is a rare glimpse into the history of a technology that has not been adequately recorded in major encyclopedias.

Robert L. Firth, Past President, Fluid Power Society

    Only John Pippenger could have written this history of the American fluid power industry. 'Johnny Pipp' always seemed to be at the center: pushing landmark activities like developing symbols and terminology so that fluid power engineers could communicate with each other--not just in the United States but worldwide. John Pippenger's involvement literally helped to set standards.

    This extraordinary work focuses on the history of the American fluid power industry, but also acknowledges the European roots of this cornerstone, centuries-old technology.

    As the story of each entrepreneur (and their often humble origins) unfolds throughout this book, we see how fluid power technology has grown from a domestic industry into today's closely-networked global industry.

    This is as it should be. As America continues to develop fluid power technology, may Fluid Power--The Hidden Giant serve to inspire today's fluid power professionals, students and, above all, educators to accept the challenge of world leadership.

    Those of us who have enjoyed a career in fluid power owe a great debt to the individuals named in this history, including John Pippenger. Their efforts have resulted in the formation of a new technical division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to reorganize and advance the art and science of fluid power systems and technology.

Robert E. Koski, Chairman of the Board, Sun Hydraulics Corporation

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