Written by Leon Gorman, grandson of founder Leon Leonwood Bean, this is the first true-to-life account of the nearly century-old retailer. The engaging story candidly reveals Gorman's behind-the-scenes struggles to preserve L.L.Bean's identity, while opening the door to needed change.

Woven throughout are themes that will resonate with readers: how to balance change with tradition, and how to shape a career – and a business – around bedrock values. Spanning four decades, the story reveals the funny, poignant and often engrossing details of managing the L.L.Bean legacy – during the best and worst of times. 288 pages.

Coming in hardcover this fall from Harvard Business School Press, and available at L.L.Bean for $16.98.