Successward (1895) By Edward w. book

by Edward W Book

If a young man will look around him a bit, he will find that the most successful men of the day are always the most quiet dressers. Their clothes are never conspicuous; they detract rather than attract attention. It is only the fop of shallow mind who invites attention by his dress.-from "In Matters of Dress" Edward Bok wielded enormous influence during his three-decade tenure as editor of the Ladies Home Journal, a pulpit from which he advocated numerous progressive causes, from women's suffrage and environmental preservation to public sex education and pacifism. Here, though, in this 1895 book, written just a few years after he took up the Journal's editorship, Bok spoke directly to young men about matters of gentlemanliness and good citizenship. Still a young man himself, and a highly successful one, Bok uses a sympathetic, comradely voice-never a stern or strict one-to convey useful advice on how a young man should comport himself in business, in romance, and in society at large. It's advice that is still relevant today. Also available from Cosimo Classics: Bok's Dollars Only and his autobiography, The Americanization of Edward Bok. American Pulitzer Prize-winning author EDWARD W. BOK (1863-1930) also wrote Two Persons: An Incident and an Epilogue and America Give Me a Chance, among other books.

46 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[Lux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read. Obviously many of the things he mentions do not fit to 21st century. That’s only expected. But the insights and suggestions he provides about the attitude that young men (and women) should follow is priceless.

The thought process he follows for choosing the right profession got stuck on my mind.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was actually a surprise to read, particularly in the author’s writing style, tone, and content. Bok lays out his opinions and advice — via his experiences — to his male readers regarding work, play, leisure, marriage, and relationships, and what sage advice it is! Recommended reading.