"How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103) When most folks think about Hersheys and Mars they no doubt think chocolates and sweets. Joel Glenn Brenner's book: "The Emperors of Chocolate : Inside the Secret World of Hershey and Mars" demonstrates that they are so much more than chocolate companies.

This is an extremely readable, entertaining book. The histories of these two companies are fascinating...from the utopian dream of Hershey's early days to the cloak and dagger intrigues during the Gulf War...this stuff is fascinating.

Brenner's look into how Mars functions as a veritable family run empire was particularly thought provoking to me. I found the reasoning behind the Mars company's dislike for Peanut Butter very humorous (basically-the brothers don't like Peanut Butter-so they don't like selling it).

The reality of these companies makes Dahl's legend: "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" look dull in comparison. The layout of the book and the photos add wonderful atmosphere to the story.

I recommend this book.

If you love chocolate, and like to read a bit about history, business strategy and marketing - this book hits the spot.

This book has changed my perspective on the candy machine, when I look at all the different candies standing at attention in their places, I think: Which one is a Mars or Hershey creation? Which one was a recipe brought over from the old country and eventually was purchased by one of the giant companies? Which one is based on a dog food marketing strategy? Which one is considered to be 'sour' chocolate by the Europeans? Which one has a burnt carmel under taste?

This was a very satisfying read, though I think I might have gained weight by just reading it!

This interesting book focuses on the two major families involved in the chocolate business: Mars and Hershey. I was told that the first chapter would be boring but found the war on contracts for selling chocolate to the military to be very fascinating and informative. The rest of the book discussed the present and future of both companies, interspersed with the historical background of their founders. The many detailed stories and anecdotes about the way chocolate is made from bean to bar made me want to eat some chocolate- and never any from Mars! The book was a quick read and a good glimpse into the cut-throat, bitter legal and marketing tactics used by both companies which, without Brenners research, we may never have known-considering the family businesses are so secretive, publicity shy.