ABSTRACT

This independent and critical study in economic and social history is based on free access to the records of W.D. & H.O. Wills.

Dr Alford traces the history of the firm from its origin to its transformation into a constituent part of a larger company. Having played such a leading role in the development of the UK tobacco industry, Willis’ book is more than the history of a single firm, it also provides an important study of a leading consumer goods industry. Drawing on aspects of economic theory, the author examines the firm's development in the light of general aspects of business history.

This major study was first published in 1973.

part I|306 pages

1786 – 1901

chapter 1|22 pages

Origins And Background

chapter 2|29 pages

Growth And Stagnation

chapter 3|23 pages

A New Generation And A New Firm

chapter 4|22 pages

Ricketts, Wills & Co.

chapter 5|21 pages

New Markets

chapter 6|16 pages

Expansion

chapter 8|28 pages

Penny Cigarettes And Market Leadership

chapter 9|25 pages

‘Cutting’ And Competition

chapter 10|33 pages

Wills Dominant

chapter 11|31 pages

War And Peace

chapter 13|12 pages

Business Enterprise And Business Success

part II|149 pages

1901 – 1965

chapter 14|18 pages

Federal Status

chapter 15|29 pages

New Competitors And The Coupon War

chapter 16|27 pages

Price Leadership And Technical Innovation

chapter 17|13 pages

Wills In Ireland

chapter 19|27 pages

Reorganization And The Marketing Revolution