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, eMercedesBenz has it, available here for free download in eBook format.

http://emercedesbenz.com/Oct08/28_00...Via_eBook.html