The Industry – A History of the Credit Rating Agencies is an account of American ingenuity, of an industry that originated in the United States and remains rooted there even as its branches spread across the globe. This is the story of enterprising men and women who met economic crises with optimism and determination. Today’s agencies continue to adapt to a changing global economy. Kirkus Reviews AM Best's 'The Industry - A History of the Credit Rating Agencies'Kirkus, the book review magazine and service, published a favorable review of one of the books in AM Best's Business Trilogy series: The Industry - A History of the Credit Rating Agencies.Kirkus summarized the book with, "This lengthy work provides highly valuable insights on intertwined economic topics." The Industry traces the development of credit and how a combination of reporting and mercantile services and data publishers evolved to become today's credit rating agencies. The first credit ratings were developed on insurance companies by Alfred M. Best, founder of AM Best."This series opener delivers a highly articulate look at the topic of credit and how it relates to the economy as a whole," Kirkus Reviews said of The Industry. "there is much for readers to learn. Credit ratings prove to be a very serious business. A seemingly minor rating downgrade can have extensive consequences. An inaccurate rating can lead to turbulence. Junk bonds, Enron, and that time New York City ran into severe financial problems all receive illumination here. The book ultimately offers useful information not just on credit ratings, but also on the world economy."The complete review is available at: kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/am-best/the-industry/ "I wanted to tell the complete story, with all the layers peeled back one by one. If we are to understand the development of the credit rating industry, we must follow the progression of the first credit rating agency.  And if we are to comprehend that, we must grasp the nature of the man.  The Company and The Industry intertwine themes of ingenuity, perseverance, crisis and opportunity, while The Man tracks the journey of one man whose life embodied all of these." -  Arthur Snyder III, chairman, president and CEO, AM Best.  Founded in 1899, AM Best was the world's first credit rating agency, and grew to become what is now the largest credit rating agency in the world specializing in the insurance industry. AM Best rating services assesses the creditworthiness of and/or reports on over 16,000 insurance companies worldwide. Best's Credit Ratings are independent, indicative and interactive, and summarize our opinion on an insurance company's ability to pay claims, debts and other financial obligations in a timely manner. Our commentary, research and analysis provide additional insight. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City.