The Young Man's Guide

by William A. Alcott

In the nineteenth century, William Alcott's The Young Man's Guide paved the way toward personal and financial success for thousands of men. Now, in this unique rendition of his classic work, you, too, can use his wisdom to unlock your greatest potential and live a happy and prosperous life. From refining your appearance and handling social interactions to managing your finances and business matters, each of the aphorisms and quotes in this book reveals simple yet revelatory techniques that will empower you to redefine your future and fill it with love, joy, and abundance.With William Alcott's guidance, you will strengthen your character, harness purposeful thoughts, and create the life you've always wanted.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Philosophy, Classics, Ebooks, Business, 19th Century

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1834

About the author

William Andrus Alcott (also known as: William Alexander Alcott), 1798-1859, was one of the most prolific authors in early American history. He wrote frequently on the topics of education and health. In 1836 he wrote a letter to the editor of the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal titled 'The Graham System' and signed it 'M.D.'

The cause of greatest interest in Alcott throughout his life was vegetarianism. In 1850 he wrote three long letters on vegetarianism to the editor of the New York Tribune - at the request of the editor.

Alcott wrote The Physiology of Marriage in 1856. He deplored free courtship manners. He specifically deplored 'conversation which is too excitable', 'presence of exciting books', 'unnecessary heat', and many other courtship practices prevalent in 18th century America but steadily going out of fashion by 1856. He warned young people of the dangers of courtship. He is criticized by modern day feminists for his 'rigidity'.

Alcott was a founding member (in 1850) and the first president of the American Vegetarian Society. He was also the author of 'The Vegetable Diet As Sanctioned by Medical Men and By Experience in All Ages'. He also founded The American Physiological Society in 1837, the world's first physiological society.

He died of a lung infection and is buried in Newton Cemetary. He worked until the day before he died.

Reviews

[Mohammad Ali Abedi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me tell you about this book. Released in 1834, it was a book aimed at young men on how to live a better life, involving things like how to improve as a person, how to entertain yourself, and so on. From what I remember from the book, it tells you what kind of wife to marry, the games you shouldn’t play (basically, it seems, all games are dangerous, because it can lead to betting, which can lead to vices, which can lead to early death and damnation), to constantly read, but not novels, because all novels are trashy, instead spend time on reading volumes of books on history, don’t go to the theatre, because theatres are full of vices and silly stuff, and so on.

If the author, William Alcott, was somehow transferred to 2013, his heart would have exploded out of his chest. Today nerds like Alcott advise young people to pleaaaase go to the theatre and read novels, so if Alcott’s most evil activities are now the best advices given, how low has the world fallen?

Alcott also dedicates a large portion of the book to masturbation. Summary, don’t do it. From what I can tell, masturbation is massively evil, not only does it lead you to other vices, but it also has a long range of diseases that are caused by it AND it will eventually lead you to an insane asylum.

In his Wikipedia page, it says he wrote 108 books. Well, since he died at 60 and from what I can understand, he probably started writing from 35, that’s 108 books in 25 years, which is around 4 a year. No wonder the guy probably didn’t masturbate or drink or smoke or eat meat or dance or flirt or go to the theatres or play games. He was too busy writing books and being bland and because God is the coolest cat ever, he gave the guy lung infection. Hah hah.

[Hana Jay Klokner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book from 1834, The Young Man's Guide is a real gem between historical self-help / self-development books. I stumbled upon it by accident, downloaded the free Kindle edition and found it quite interesting.

The author gives various advice on young men's lives, pretty much any topic you can imagine: from marriage to being neat, on how to behave in society, get an education, run a business, but even such advice as how many meals to eat thorough the day.

While some of the ideas are old-fashioned (like the eating--only three times a day; we all know that five times a day is the "correct" way approved by nutritionists) and many of them are based on Bible and word of God, I found so many points interesting and still very up-to-date.

It's true I skipped some parts of the book, simply because they were boring, but otherwise the writing was easy to read and felt quite fresh. Recommended especially if you're doing some research.

[John Yelverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish that I had been given this book before I entered college, started my first job, or even got married. Some of the advice in this book is pure, unadulterated gold, and I heartily recommend it for any young man looking for advice on how to conduct himself in life.

[Chadimproover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and Inspiring!
Could easily be called on of the Greatest Book for Aspiring Leaders!

[Richard Rossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun. The author published this book in 1834. According to Wikipedia, he "was an American educator, educational reformer, physician, vegetarian and author of 108 books".

I mention this because the advice he gave back then is as sound today as it was back then. It is targeted at men in their later teens and early twenties. If that sounds dull, you are wrong.

This guy covers just about every topic you can imagine and the advice pulls no punches. Of course, our society has different attitudes towards sex and courtship and if you are hung up on those topics you should probably not read this book.

I found it fun to read along and agree with him about so much of the advice he gave 168 years ago. Some ideas are just good ideas and do not change with the current fashions.

[Harry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A temperance movement guy giving advice to young men on things like marriage etc etc, kinda boring but useful advice

[Rob · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should be more courteous and gracious, but this particular version is abridged and the book doesn't mention that anywhere. Hardpass and buy the full version.

[M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring. Not to mention the racist remark, sexism and bad advice. Sure it was written a while ago but this book has some of the down right dumbest concepts I've ever heard of.

[Euodias · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing read. Was honestly expecting so much more from this.

[Kevin Hendricks · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was very dated and preachy. But perhaps interesting from a historical/social perspective.

[Muhammad Ma'shum Kholil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read it in Indonesian translation. This book takes us to the first classic guideline, to become a wiser young man.

[Alxandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Kindle version from Project Gutenberg. The transcription is quite good with very rare errors.

I've been reading a few of William Alcott's Guides, including The Young Woman's Guide to Excellence. All of them provide fascinating insight into the turn 19th century. But, I was delighted to find this book provides more concrete examples and suggestions and covers information on how to conduct business, politeness, and choosing a wife. The book is heavily Christian based which is not surprising given when it was written. The somewhat flowery advice in his books for ladies is skipped for bluntness in this book, although he does refer to masturbation as 'the solitary vice'.

I thoroughly enjoyed a glimpse into turn of the century advice for young men.

[Bhupesh Doda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because it was written a long time ago (1833) which gives a very good insight into the culture (American and little bit European). But more than that for readers especially young(i mean in their teens) will probably learn a lot from this book and ironically for 21st century young man in their 20's they will not benefit much from it as i think they are already ruined :P,but i believe its never too late to learn some few mantras of life which makes your life less miserable. In general if you(a) are confused if your girlfriend can be a good wife (b) or you are setting up a business (c) or need some manliness tips then this a book for you.

[Jeremy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I do not recommend this book. I thought it would have some interesting things to say (though it's 150 years old), but most of its suggestions are severely outdated and meaningless in the modern era. The only quality advice it gives is "What man has done, man can do." That's a philosophy I sometimes employ.

[Jaymason · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had plenty of good advice for a man just starting his life; However, it is dryer than an alum block. The first part of the book is easy to read, but once you're halfway through you'd prefer it just ended. I recommend it for anyone around college-age... as long as they're prepared for the boredome that ensues.

[Clint Flatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

As timely and prudent today as it was when written. This should be required reading for all men in their mid to late teens. If your older it is still worth the time to relearn your manners and revisit you expectations as a man in this world.

[Charles Reed · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately I was expecting to get more out of this book, however like many books from the past the ideas are a bit dated, making it difficult to appreciate the authors stylings,perhaps if I was around 50 years back or so I would have been able to appreciate the workings of this book.

[Jericho Eames · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a handbook that everyone should have. It has little trinkets of reminders and how we should strive to live. It's interesting because even though it's written back in the 1700s, the lessons taught are still applicable in today's society.

[Stephen Chung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good stuff. especially on the qualities that one has to look in potential spouse.

[David M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for all men between the ages of 16-25.

[Bill Guinan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neat book, written in 1838 there are very many things that are out dated. Some of his thoughts on living and principles are still valid.

[Java · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good timeless advice is contained within. However, a lot of the information is dated 180 years after publication as well.

[Bill Guinan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dated, neat book that attempts to instill some thinking into life.

[Joe Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I plan to give this to each of my sons. The pearls of advice and wisdom provide a solid foundation on which boys can become men of fine character and integrity.

[Alauddin Ahammad · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was an exciting book. i recommended it to all of my friend.

[Shelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.75

[Drennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book out loud to my kids. I really enjoyed it. Good, quick, practical wisdom that created good discussions with my children.

[Anthea]

My copy was published in 1846 and is still in beautiful condition.