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Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie Paperback – July 28, 2010

by Andrew Carnegie (Author)

4.0 664 ratings

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This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Nabu Press (July 28, 2010)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 408 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1176209019
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1176209015
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.6 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.44 x 0.84 x 9.69 inches

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4 out of 5

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Dee Arr

Autobiography and History Combine for a Fascinating Read

Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2017

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My only bits of knowledge of Andrew Carnegie were a few anecdotes I had heard about him earning a fortune in the steel industry and how he later gave much of that money away. This book more than filled in the blanks, as well as providing me with an interesting read.

Mr. Carnegie began his autobiography with a history of his family in Scotland before moving on to describe their plans and eventual move to the United States. The first two-thirds of the book are mostly in chronological order, allowing readers to experience Mr. Carnegie’s life and his experiences in the business world. The book is written in an engaging style, and it is easy to imagine yourself sitting by the fire with a drink in hand while speaking directly with the author.

There were added bonuses to the book, the first being the many words of wisdom Mr. Carnegie included as part of his recollections. These range from “A great business is seldom if ever built up, except on lines of the strictest integrity” to “He that cannot reason is a fool, He that will not is a bigot, He that dare not is a slave.” Along with Mr. Carnegie’s thoughts we are also rewarded with a view of American history during the nineteenth century. I don’t believe this was his intention, and thus he reveals an unguarded view of the world as it used to be.

The last third of the book are chapters that Mr. Carnegie probably felt would be better presented as subjects having their own sections rather than trying to include them in the chronological portion. Most of these chapters cover other people living at the same time, and Mr. Carnegie’s interactions with them.

Overall, a very interesting book that compelled me to take my time, stepping back in history and sharing the life and thoughts of a successful businessman. Five stars.

7 people found this helpful

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Karen

Fascinating

Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2013

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I thought the book was well written and most of it kept my interest. There were a few chapters that were a little dry, but it was great for filling in the blanks on a fascinating man. I had heard Mr. Carnegie's story before, but this goes into much more detail about the man himself, his love and devotion to his family and his strong work ethic. Still inspiring today, though the world has changed drastically. The basic principles he lived by still hold true today. Recommend it!

Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2018

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Modestly interesting. Some insight into the times of late 19th century. Advanced thinking in terms of management of blue collar workers. Generous benefactor to towns.

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John R. Aberle

Book Review of Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie, "But, I Digress"

Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2012

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It took a while before I realized that this autobiography was not ones smooth piece. Rather, it is a collection of notes written down over the years for his memoirs. John C. Van Dyke assembled it after Andrew Carnegie died, at the request of his widow, Louise Whitfield Carnegie. For that reason, I doubt that any book I've ever read would benefit as much as this one with the ability to use hyperlinks.

This book is filled with additional vignettes on visits people he mentioned in the flow of his autobiography. Technically they were part of the autobiography but more of an expanded section after he gets through his distribution of his wealth.

As Mr. Van Dyke put them in order, they covered the main flow of Andrew Carnegie's life in roughly the first third of this book. We see Andrew Carnegie's progression from bobbin boy to leading capitalist or industrialist in today's terms through his retirement when he devoted himself to distributing his wealth. He shares freely his views on life, religion and politics and world affairs from a Western Europe - mostly British - and American viewpoint. I was fascinated with his experiences as a distributor of wealth, which he found even more satisfying than growing the wealth.

After Andrew Carnegie's retirement from business, his autobiography has little sections on various famous and important people with whom he because friends through the course of his life. During each of these vignettes, such as the section devoted to Gladstone, he includes other famous people who interacted with them.

I was exceptionally intrigued with his perceptions of the German Emperor being a man devoted to world peace because my impressions from American history written about World War I painted him more as the villain responsible for that war.

The following are highlights of his life:
* His formal education ended when he was 13. His family immigrated to America. He felt compelled to add to the family income so he went to work first as a `bobbin boy' for $1.20 per week. Andrew or `Andy' worked at the meanest, lowest jobs until his diligence and quality work brought him to the attention of people who could advance him.
* After he began work, Andrew Carnegie became a self-educated man by reading books others loaned him from their libraries. This probably accounts in part for his love of libraries and generous donations to found them. My hometown of Madison, Wisconsin is indebted to him for an endowment that started our public library system.
* Throughout his life, Andrew Carnegie retained a strong attachment to the town of his birth and childhood, Dunfermline. His Uncle Lauder, reared him with his cousin George Lauder's, while his parents worked. Uncle Lauder taught them their British and Scottish history. His three main heros were Robert the Bruce, Wallace and Burns. He quoted Burn throughout is life.
* Andrew Carnegie also forever had an attachment to Dunfermline Abbey, Palace, and the Pittencrieff Glen, which contained Queen Margaret's shrine and the ruins of King Malcolm's Tower, Eventually Mr. Carnegie was able to purchase the Glen and gift it to his hometown to make it a park for the children, especially. He had a special love for the sound of the tolling of the Abbey bell.
* His first major break was becoming a telegrapher and from that getting on with the Pennsylvania railroad, the Pittsburgh division.
* He was a risk taker, but calculated risks when he was knowledgeable and prepared.
* Despite how generous he was with stories about himself, his political views, his views on the respectful treatment of labors, and his friends and associates, he said very little about his family. He mentioned briefly his courtship of Louise Whitfield, who finally became Mrs. Andrew Carnegie. Although he said next to nothing about their daughter, Margaret, it was obvious he loved her.
* Having been a labor at the lowest of jobs, he always loved and respected his employees. On numerous occasions, they demonstrated their love and respect for him in return.
* Andrew worked at the meanest, lowest jobs until his diligence and quality work brought him to the attention of people who could advance him.
* He had no interest as I understand it in investing in the stock market. He considered this speculation or gambling. He really disliked gambling.

This autobiography flows smoothly making it easy to read and captivating. I did get lost occasionally on where he was in his story, which is why the thought occurred to me once that this review should be called "But, I digress." Nevertheless, it's these digressions that often add the depth and color to his life. Mr. Carnegie added immensely to my appreciation of American and European events in the mid to late 19th Century and the opening years of the 20th.

11 people found this helpful

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Dr. Dan

The Life of a "Robber Baron" - who really wasn't

Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2014

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While parts of it drag, overall this is a WONDERFUL book, fascinating both as a period piece and as a history of a great businessman. It is full of excellent advice for business and for life itself.

Of course, as an autobiography you should apply the appropriate "grain of salt" as he explains his side of some controversial dealings such as union troubles. But I think overall he is telling it honestly.

He really did earn his fortune by figuring out how to sell steel and steel products for far less than his competitors. How bad can that be? And he really did give away most of his vast fortune to charities, foundations, libraries, and the like - some of which still bear his name.

Good read, good lessons. I'll read his other books next.

2 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

A good read and the historical value is great

Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2014

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When you remind yourself that you are reading an autobiography, you tend to try to keep in mind that the book is one sided. When you get past this, there are aspects that the writer is proud of in his life that he wishes to be remembered for. There is no shortage of wonders with Andrew Carnegie. He may have not been liked in all circles, but he cannot be denied his footprint on this world. Few men have accomplished what this man has. It is mind bending how one person made such a huge contribution to mankind, but Andre C. spells it out in this book. My interest was held all the way to the very last page.

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Tony Stroud

Very Inspiring

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 26, 2024

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Although the written word was dated, the overall content was inspiring and full of interesting information on how America started to become a great country.

Rogna

Autobiographie d'Andrew Carnegie

Reviewed in France on February 23, 2024

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L'autobiographie d'Andrew Carnegie offre un aperçu fascinant de la vie et des réalisations de l'un des capitaines de l'industrie les plus influents du 19e siècle. Dans cette œuvre captivante, Carnegie raconte son ascension sociale et professionnelle, depuis ses humbles débuts en Écosse jusqu'à sa fortune colossale aux États-Unis en tant que magnat de l'acier.

Le récit détaillé de Carnegie offre des perspectives uniques sur l'essor de l'industrie sidérurgique américaine, ainsi que sur les défis et les opportunités rencontrés par les entrepreneurs de l'époque. À travers ses expériences personnelles, Carnegie partage également ses réflexions sur la philanthropie et l'importance de redistribuer la richesse pour le bien de la société.

L'autobiographie d'Andrew Carnegie est bien plus qu'un simple récit de succès financier ; c'est un témoignage éclairant sur la vision, le travail acharné et les valeurs qui ont façonné la vie d'un des hommes d'affaires les plus emblématiques de son époque.

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Amazon Customer

Five Stars

Reviewed in India on February 9, 2018

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Excellent

Graham

perhaps the world would be a much better place. This book just oozes life lessons and ...

Reviewed in Canada on November 30, 2016

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Andrew Carnegie is an absolute giant of a man. To see his history from his own point of view is a life changing event! If only all the worlds leaders thought as morally as Mr. Carnegie, perhaps the world would be a much better place. This book just oozes life lessons and excellence.

This book was written over 100 years ago, and it shows. It takes a while to get into the writing, but once you do it is an excellent read!