"There is nothing of the autocrat in Judge Gary's make-up. He is human-humane. He often smiles-his smile is famous. He seldom frowns. There are no hard lines in his face and his blue eyes are kindly." -B.C. Forbes, Men Who Are Making America (1919) The Life of Elbert Gary (1926) is one of several biographies of prominent industrialists written by Ida Tarbell. The subject, Elbert Gary, was a lawyer and businessman who was greatly admired for his success in helping organize the United States Steel Corporation. Although he had a reputation for improving working conditions and wages, he was also held responsible for triggering a steel strike in 1919 by his opposition to unions.