Bartow J. Elmore

Bartow J. Elmore is an environmental historian and professor at Ohio State University who specializes in global commodity networks and American business history. His research focuses on the environmental and social impacts of major corporations and consumer products. Elmore gained recognition for his book "Citizen Coke: The Making of Coca-Cola Capitalism" (2015), which examined how Coca-Cola's business model transformed natural resources into profits while outsourcing environmental costs. The book received the Council of Graduate Schools Distinguished Dissertation Award and the Axiom Business Book Award. His 2021 book "Seed Money: Monsanto's Past and Our Food Future" investigates the history of the Monsanto corporation and its influence on global agriculture through pesticides, PCBs, and genetically modified organisms. This work builds on his expertise in corporate environmental history and agricultural systems. Elmore's scholarship has appeared in various academic journals and media outlets including Environmental History, Enterprise & Society, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He currently serves as a core faculty member in the History Department at Ohio State University where he teaches courses on American business, environmental history, and global capitalism.

Readers praise Elmore's investigative depth and ability to present complex corporate histories through clear narratives. Reviews highlight his thorough research and balanced approach to controversial topics like Monsanto and Coca-Cola's business practices. What readers liked: - Detailed documentation and extensive source citations - Clear explanations of complex business/environmental relationships - Neutral tone when covering contentious subjects - Engaging storytelling despite dense subject matter What readers disliked: - Some sections become too technical or academic - Occasional repetition of key points - Length and detail can overwhelm casual readers Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Citizen Coke: 3.9/5 (486 ratings) - Seed Money: 4.3/5 (241 ratings) Amazon: - Citizen Coke: 4.4/5 - Seed Money: 4.7/5 Several reviewers noted Elmore avoids sensationalism while still revealing concerning corporate practices. One Amazon reviewer wrote: "Manages to be both scholarly and accessible - no small feat given the technical subject matter."

Citizen Coke: The Making of Coca-Cola Capitalism (2015) An environmental history examining how Coca-Cola built its business model around outsourcing production costs while maintaining control of its syrup formula and brand.

Seed Money: Monsanto's Past and Our Food Future (2021) A historical investigation of Monsanto Corporation's evolution from chemical manufacturer to agricultural biotechnology company, tracing its impact on global farming through PCBs, pesticides, and GMOs.

Marc Levinson writes histories of global business networks and commodities, examining how corporations shape economic systems and supply chains. His works like "The Box" and "Outside the Box" trace how shipping containers and logistics transformed global trade and consumer culture.

Anna Zeide analyzes the history of processed foods and American food systems through a corporate and environmental lens. Her book "Canned" explores how the canning industry revolutionized food preservation while reshaping agriculture and consumer habits.

Timothy LeCain investigates the intersection of technology, corporations, and environmental change in modern history. His research examines how industrial processes and resource extraction methods developed by major companies have transformed landscapes and ecosystems.

Shane Hamilton focuses on agricultural business history and food distribution systems in the United States. His work examines how corporations have shaped farming practices and food supply chains throughout the twentieth century.

Edmund Russell studies the connections between business operations and environmental transformation through evolutionary history. His research explores how corporate practices have influenced biological systems and shaped the coevolution of humans and nature.