Since 1837, John Deere farm implements and then tractors have earned an international reputation for performance and reliability, resulting in a favored status among farmers, restorers, and collectors. Here, well-known tractor authority Ralph Sanders tells the story of John Deere tractors, and of the company's founder and other key personnel involved in their development. This comprehensive volume also covers the development of the Corn Belt, as well as the competition among tractor makers and Deere sales methods. The easy-to-read text is enhanced by Sanders' striking full-color images of more than 50 John Deere tractors including some very rare models. Also shown are period ads, brochures, schematic diagrams, paintings by Walter Haskell Hinton, and historic photographs from the Deere & Company Archives and other sources for a complete look at this innovative player in the farming industry.