Uncommon Friends: Life with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Alexis Carrel, and Charles Lindbergh (Paperback)

~ James Newton (Author) "IT IS TEN O'CLOCK on the night of October 21, 1931..." (more)
Key Phrases: perfusion pump, New York, Fort Myers, Henry Ford (more...)

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.

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 )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books (June 23, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0156926202
• ISBN-13: 978-0156926201
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #75,808 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #2 in	Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( L ) > Lindbergh, Charles
  #3 in	Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( F ) > Ford, Henry
  #89 in	Books > History > United States > 20th Century > 1945 - Present

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fascinating Book on the Lives of Five Great Men, August 19, 2001

By	Robert Paterson (New York, NY, USA) - See all my reviews

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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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Minds - Can Still Teach Us Today!, May 2, 2001

By	Frances W Marshall (Tega Cay, SC United States) - See all my reviews

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining read, March 31, 2000

By	Deej - See all my reviews

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!