Five and Ten: The Fabulous Life of F. W. Woolworth

by John K. Winkler

This book, first published in 1940, is the unmissable biography of Frank Winfield Woolworth (1852-1919), the American entrepreneur behind the F. W. Woolworth Company and the operator of variety stores known as “Five-and-Dimes”. He was also the first to use self-service display cases, so customers could examine what they wanted to buy without the help of a sales clerk.

Woolworth founded an international financial empire with a short lease on a tiny store, a couple of gross of tin cans and a simple but revolutionary idea. Woolworth grew up a poor farm boy who tended his father’s cows barefoot, but he followed the great American dream by parlaying native ingenuity, business sense, and understanding of people into a huge fortune and establishing an institution that became a familiar part of America’s way of life.

Genres: Business, Biography

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2014

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I was very taken with this book, not only was there a lot of local history but the way he accumulated his wealth. I especially liked the letters and memos he wrote while in Europe.

[Rita Phelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

History Of A Great Man

Frank W. Woolworth demonstrated what hard work, self-confidence, and yes, some inborn talent, can achieve. He was tireless, had an excellent eye for who could be trusted and promoted, and was willing to take risks. Great read.

[Gary Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down.

Filled with interesting details on F.W. Woolworths fascinating and interesting life. Help my interest from beginning to end. I recommend it.