Charles Fishman, author, journalist and senior editor of Fast Company magazine, looked into the largest company in the history of the world, examined the impact Wal-Mart has on retailers, manufacturers, wages, jobs, the culture of shopping, the shape of our communities, and the environment. Through unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access to Wal-Mart headquarters and ex-executives, Fishman uncovers how Wal-Mart strong-arms even the most established brands.

Wal-Mart saves American consumers $10 billion a year with its mandate to sell for less, but as the largest employer in 37 states, fewer than half of its employees can afford even the least expensive health insurance package offered by the company. This thought-provoking book shows how Wal-Mart’s power is shaping the structure of the world’s market for good and how it has emerged as an economic ecosystem, and an unprecedented global force. U of M Bookstore, Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. SE,. Minneapolis. www.bookstore.umn.edu/genref/authors.html