A new coffee-table book, Ultimate John Deere: A History of the Big Green Machines, is available for John Deere enthusiasts. This 208-page book covers the history of John Deere tractors, John Deere himself, and other key personnel in the company. The author, Ralph Sanders, also writes about the development of the Corn Belt, which played a crucial part in the company's growth, Deere sales methods, and John Deere's methods to top the competition. More than a century of facts and history are covered.

The book also showcases photos of more than 50 different restored John Deere tractors as well as period ads, brochures, schematic diagrams, paintings by Walter Haskell Hinton, and photos from Deere & Company Archives.

This book is available in bookstores, gift shops, online bookstores, or through Voyageur Press. Price: $39.95 plus $3.95 shipping and handling per order. Contact Voyageur Press, P.O. Box 338, Stillwater, MN 55082, 800/888-9653, www.voyageurpress.com.