Gospel of Wealth (Little Books of Wisdom) [Hardcover]

Andrew Carnegie (Sp (Author)

Book Description

Series: Little Books of Wisdom | Publication Date: May 1, 1998

This classic breakthrough essay by Andrew Carnegie about the responsibilities of those of great means to use their wealth for the good of society first appeared in the North American Review in 1898.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Andrew Carnegie began working in the steel mills of Pittsburgh at the age of 12. As an adult, he became the owner of Carnegie Steel Company. After it was sold, the company became U.S. Steel and Carnegie became one of the wealthiest men of his fay. He spent the rest of his life giving his vast wealth to help build libraries throughout the world, and fund other worthwhile social projects. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 28 pages
• Publisher: Applewood Books (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557094713
• ISBN-13: 978-1557094711
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #460,941 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Business & Investing > Reference > Ethics

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Perspective on Giving from The Super Rich, September 30, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gospel of Wealth (Little Books of Wisdom) (Hardcover)

This book is about 1/4" thick and is an essay written by Andrew Carnegie in June 1889. It's an interesting perpective on what very wealthy people should do with their money to improve society. He doesn't believe in handing over the cash when you die to your children but rather spending it before you die on free libraries, parks, etc. to improve life for the common man. It was recommended reading from a book on History of Wall Street.

21 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Capitalism and wealth distribution, September 20, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gospel of Wealth (Little Books of Wisdom) (Hardcover)

As a financial and estate planner this essay will redefine my practice. Common people today have accumulated far more wealth than they imagined. There is a struggle to determine the right course. Carnegie, about 100 years ago, had the insight to challange those of means to become trustees of our society. I am motivated and you will be as well. I read this is material that has made a large impact on Bill Gates. For those of you with excess assets PLEASE READ

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspires the best, July 19, 2005

By 

M. Nowacki "bocamick" (mentor, ohio) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Gospel of Wealth (Little Books of Wisdom) (Hardcover)

John D. Rockefeller said this book inspired him. A previous reviewer said he read that it inspired Bill Gates too. It is no coincidence that Rockefeller, Gates, and Carnegie were the three greatest philanthropists in American history. These men have contributed more to America than 10,000 average people could. The following are just some of the contributions of the above three men: Carnegie Mellon, U of Chicago, Spellman College, Rockefeller University, medical advancements, public libraries, medical aid, art donations to museums, etc. They could have been like J. Paul Getty and hoarded the money, but they chose (or choose) to be great men.

The book talks about the responsibilities of wealthy people. Wealthy people have the opportunity to help people who don't have much opportunity and Carnegie writes about the responsibility wealthy people have to them.