Newton engagingly recalls a lifetime of friendship with five giants of the twentieth century. Foreword by Anne Morrow Lindbergh; Index; photographs.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Now in his 80s, real-estate developer Newton recalls with uncritical admiration five celebrated men with whom he enjoyed almost filial relationships. According to the author, they all shared the same philosophy of life, enouncing business principles in terms of moral precepts. Newton's bonds with Carrel and with the scientist's friend and partner in medical research, Lindbergh, were forged by their common interest in metaphysics. The narrative is studded with anecdotes about the nature of these men: Edison's assertion that his deafness was an asset; Ford's dictum that profit is essential to business vitality; Firestone's advocacy of Japanese-style "consensus" management; Carrel's expectation of encountering Aristotle after death; and Lindbergh's revulsion at the destruction wrought by aviation in WW II.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
Now in his 80s, real-estate developer Newton recalls with uncritical admiration five celebrated men with whom he enjoyed almost filial relationships. According to the author, they all shared the same philosophy of life, enouncing business principles in terms of moral precepts. Newton's bonds with Carrel and with the scientist's friend and partner in medical research, Lindbergh, were forged by their common interest in metaphysics. The narrative is studded with anecdotes about the nature of these men: Edison's assertion that his deafness was an asset; Ford's dictum that profit is essential to business vitality; Firestone's advocacy of Japanese-style "consensus" management; Carrel's expectation of encountering Aristotle after death; and Lindbergh's revulsion at the destruction wrought by aviation in WW II.
(Publishers Weekly ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
(Publishers Weekly ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book originally caught my eye as an addition to another book I read called Edison: A Life of Invention by Paul Israel. I wanted a book that would cover a little more of Edison's personal life, and this book did just that. However, James Newton's close, dedicated friendships with all of these great men of the twentieth century is truly amazing, and I learned more than I would probably learn otherwise about some of these important historical figures.
The entire book is fascinating, and surely different parts will appeal to different readers. I was particularly enchanted with a poignant description of how Charles Lindbergh handled dying as he lay on his deathbed. I was also fascinated with how environmentally conscientious some of these men were, particularly Edison and Lindbergh, but also Ford. For example, Ford was very interested in making automobile parts out of soybeans in order to reduce the need for metal parts. It seems that all of these men had numerous ideas and ideas for inventions that were way ahead of their time - perhaps some of them still are.
Newton's writing is quite good, and I only have one very minor criticism: it seems that he preaches a little bit and dwells on the religious facet of his relationships with these people. Of course, I'm sure this was a very important part of his relationship with these men and their families, but it seems that there is a grand, overarching agenda he has in constantly illustrating their connection to God and religion.
If you are interested in any of these historical figures and their fascinating relationships with each other, this book is definitely the best book you will find on the subject.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Deej
Format:Paperback
I recently bought this book while visiting the Edison-Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, FL. It's an amazing informal history whose author is as interesting as his incredible subjects. Edison and Ford really come alive as people, and Newton gives a unique perspective on Lindbergh's oft-criticized WWII neutralitry stance. Newton's own participation in the Spirituality movement is especially fascinating. I can't wait for the PBS special!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is one of the best books I've ever read. It takes you on a tour of the lives of some incredible men whose work and personalities still have influence on us years after their deaths. Prior to reading this book, I had no idea that all of these men not only knew each other, but had such strong personal connections. I have recommended this book to many friends and will recommend it strongly to anyone who wants a book to enjoy that also provides such a wonderful and personal look at history through the minds of arguably some of the wisest men of the 20th century.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Uncommon Friends - Unique Fate!
I discovered this book by accident. It is just so very interesting/intriguing, that this one seemingly common man named James Newton, while living an ordinary life, became friends... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Dr.Stanley Toompas
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Dad gift!
I purchased this book for my Dad who is an avid history buff whose favorite topic is generally Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, and he found that there was so much he didn't know... Read more
Published 4 months ago by k1uhz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Ft Myers Beach Read
Such a fun book to read! I love hearing the personal perspective of these interesting historical men. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Dobe Lover
5.0 out of 5 stars
Uncommon Friends
The book is very interesting and informative. It's always good to know how successful people deal with life because it gives you insight on what to do if you want similar results.
Published 6 months ago by Manuel
5.0 out of 5 stars
great book
My husgand saw this Book at a home we toured that was friends of Thomas Edison and he was thrilled that I was able to buy it at a great price on Amazon.com
Published 8 months ago by Sharon L. Despain
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thought-provoking
This book examines what these great men share in terms of values, not achievements. The focus is on what kind of men they were: men of faith, men guided by moral compass.
Published 9 months ago by P Sterling
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christmas gift
I bought this book for my 84 yr. old Dad, because he loves to read anything with history. As I scanned through it before wrapping, even I thought I would like to read it.
Published 16 months ago by Joanne
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
This book touches on alot of topics: Icons at the beginning of the 20th century, the beginning of the Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous. Good reading.
Published 21 months ago by Deborah A. Damiano
5.0 out of 5 stars
A story of a life filled with some exceptional friendships
I was looking for a biography on Thomas Edison, and found this book. I couldn't put it down. This young man met Thomas Edison, who introduced him to the likes of Henry Ford, and... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Paul Buckner
5.0 out of 5 stars
very good
the book was in very good condition and the packaging was very good, also. Having visited the winter homes of Edison and Ford, in Ft Myers, FL, we were anxious to read the book... Read more
Published on March 27, 2011 by tired
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 11
books:
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1
book
cites this book:
- Spirit Of St. Louis by Charles A. Lindbergh on page 25, and page 108
- The Spirit of St. Louis (Scribner Classic) by Charles A. Lindbergh on page 25, and page 108
- Labor Day (Carolrhoda on My Own Books) by Geoffrey Scott on page 294
- Of Flight And Life by Charles A. Lindbergh on page 312
- The Statue of Liberty (American Symbols) by Mary Firestone on page 1
See all 11 books this book cites
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