Sword Drills, Sliderules and Green Eyeshades The Story of John Taylor

Sword Drills is the autobiography of John Taylor and his life through the last half of the 20th century and the first part of the 21st century as an ordinary man. The author attempts to share experiences and relationships that will allow the reader to understand and somewhat experience life during those times. Mr. Taylor is an outspoken evangelical Christian and the book is a positive story of his life and recounts the times God had led and protected him. Mr. Taylor relates many anecdotes and stories that he was encouraged by friends to share. He hopes it allows others to see that one does not have to be a celebrity, major executive or entrepreneur to have an interesting and satisfying life. Sword Drills refers to an exercise in Sunday Schools where the teacher would name a Bible book, chapter and verse and the first to find it in their Bible got to read it to the class. Sliderules refers to the device used for calculations in engineering and science before computers or calculators. And green eyeshades were worn by accountants in the old days when the lighting was glaring to protect one's eyes. These were the major parts of Mr. Taylor's life. For many this will bring back memories of their life and similar experiences. It is a study of nostalgia of sorts.
The book is written in a chronological sequence that recounts all the major job and life experiences from statewide criminal identification systems projects to commercial farming to municipal bond trading and toy manufacturing. It also shares some of the interesting travel and culinary experiences he has enjoyed. There are descriptions of unique and interesting people he had relationships with. The book is written in a casual, conversational style which is easy to read and enjoy.

John Taylor was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee in 1941. He graduated from Georgia Tech in Atlanta with a BSIM. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He worked for Deloitte where he earned his CPA license. After Deloitte, he worked as a CFO for several businesses over his career including some 29 different entities he worked for or provided consulting services. He designed sold and installed software systems to many companies and government institutions. He is a Christian married to his high school sweetheart for over 60 years. He had 2 children and 6 grandchildren. This book is his first and it is an autobiography. Mr. Taylor has had the privilege to meet and work with many interesting and unique people all over the world. He has experience in a broad spectrum and business and government endeavors. He loves stories and has written this to share his stories and life with others interested in life in the last half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. He also wanted to share his experience as a Christian and how God has taken care of him throughout his life. For all his story please read this book. You will find most of it entertaining.