The Arms of Krupp

Twelve generations of the Krupp family of Essen — cast steel, artillery, the firm’s role in both world wars, the slave labour, the Nuremberg conviction and the post-war restoration.

Why it’s on the list: Named in the “explains an entire industry” thread. A four-century corporate biography, and the standard case study of a firm entangled with a state.

Where I saw it: In Kyle’s “Books To Read” Apple Note, recovered from the reply thread to @WillManidis asking “what is the single best book you can read that will explain an entire industry?” (June 2, 2025). The full recovered list lives on what is the single best book… (tweet).

Connections

• what is the single best book… (tweet) — the thread this came out of; the full recovered list lives there.
• Manufacturing — the industry.
• World War II — the firm’s worst chapter.