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Andrew Carnegie: A Life from Beginning to End
Andrew Carnegie * * *Download for FREE on Kindle Unlimited + Free BONUS Inside!* * * Read On Your Computer, MAC, Smartphone, Kindle Reader, iPad, or Tablet. He has roads, schools, libraries, and the famous Carnegie Hall all named after him. But who was this industrialist and business titan of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century? What were his struggles and how did he help the world with his philanthropic contributions? Was the story of this Scottish immigrant truly a rags to riches one? And what was it that caused Andrew Carnegie’s desire to give his great wealth away? Inside you will read about... ✓ The Life of a Scottish Bobbin Boy ✓ Carnegie Enters the Railroad Business ✓ Carnegie During the Civil War ✓ Return to Scotland ✓ The Gospel of Wealth ✓ False Claims and Fraud And much more! He built the greatest business empire the world had ever seen. He founded incredible libraries, art museums, and donated to charities by the boatload. In this book, we will discover the incredible story of Andrew Carnegie’s life from beginning to end. Series Biographies of Business Leaders Book 5
106 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2018
160 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
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Hourly History
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 15, 2018
Good!
4 stars:
I barley know about Andrew Carneige. This is a short book. It kept me interested. Glad I read it.
🇺🇸
4 stars:
I barley know about Andrew Carneige. This is a short book. It kept me interested. Glad I read it.
🇺🇸
May 30, 2022
I received this book from Amazon and it is part of the Hourly history collection (https://hourlyhistory.com). These books are mostly about historical events or historical persons.
This one is about Andrew Carnegie and has all the important information about him in a very concise way (you can read it within an hour).
This is my assessment of this book Andrew Carnegie, by Hourly history according to my 8 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 3 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 5 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non-English native) - 4 stars
5. Too long (more than 500 pages) - short and concise (150-200 pages) - 5 stars
6. Boring - every sentence is interesting - 3 stars
7. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
8. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humouristic and fun parts - 3 stars
Total 3.875 stars
“The average person puts only 25% of his energy and ability into his work. The world takes off its hat to those who put in more than 50% of their capacity, and stands on its head for those few and far between souls who devote 100%.” —Andrew Carnegie
by 1847 unemployment in the region hit rock bottom, eventually leading to food riots in the Scottish cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. In these dire conditions, the Carnegies finally made up their mind to leave Scotland for good.
Little Andrew was given the job of a bobbin boy, tasked with changing spools of cotton thread. He typically did this no less than twelve hours a day and for six days out of any given week. His pay for his labors amounted to just $1.20 a week, which is about $35 by today’s standards.
His efforts soon earned him recognition from a big-name manufacturer named John Hay. Hay was impressed with Andrew’s hard work and offered him a job and a raise in the amount of $2.00 per week, which would be about $58 today. It was definitely a step up for the poor immigrant laborer.
would meet the acquaintance of a few young men whom he would be friends with for life. Calling themselves the “Original Six,” this group of working-class youth consisted of Carnegie, John Phipps, William Crowley, Thomas Miller, James R. Wilson, and James Smith.
It was together with his young friends that Carnegie made the efforts that cold winter of 1848-1849 to better himself by attending night classes in Pittsburgh where he was taught a valuable new skill, double-entry bookkeeping.
Along with this gift of memorization, Andrew Carnegie also seemed to have the uncanny ability of mimicry and interpretation.
As he continued to excel in his work at the telegraph company, Carnegie also began to pursue academic studies when a man by the name of Colonel James Anderson, at his own expense, opened up his personal library consisting of some 400 different texts in order for working boys to achieve their own self-styled education. This is where Carnegie was truly able to further his education. Carnegie would always be thankful for this library of information that he had been gifted, and one day he would repay the world with countless libraries and educational foundations that would bear his own name.
Carnegie was elated to hear the news, and with a starting salary of $1,500 a year, he signed onto the position on December 1, 1859. From the lowly bobbin boy of yesteryear to becoming the superintendent of his own railroad at the age of 24, Andrew Carnegie had come a long way.
The promotion he received in Pittsburgh would forever change the trajectory of his life, and just like the powerful steam engines he presided over, once Carnegie’s train was on the track, it was full steam ahead—there was no looking back.
“Do your duty and a little more and the future will take care of itself.” —Andrew Carnegie
“While the law [of competition] may be sometimes hard for the individual, it is best for the race, because it insures the survival of the fittest in every department.” —Andrew Carnegie
“Surplus wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in his lifetime for the good of the community.” —Andrew Carnegie
With his family life set and his businesses generating more money than he could spend, by 1901, Carnegie was so rich and successful that he considered retiring.
Helping him to organize his retirement savings was none other than John Pierpont Morgan, the famed banker and financial wizard of the era.
Morgan believed that the best way to go about doing so was to purchase Carnegie’s holdings as well as the holdings of others and consolidate them all under one massive company in order to streamline the process.
It was these efforts that produced the United States Steel Corporation on March 2, 1901. Right at the dawn of the twentieth century, U.S. Steel would become the richest corporation in the world, exceeding the billion-dollar mark. And at this point, Carnegie was one of the wealthiest people in the world, a fact that motivated him to move toward another stage in his life—one of philanthropy.
“Perhaps the most tragic thing about mankind is that we are all dreaming about some magical garden over the horizon, instead of enjoying the roses that are right outside today.” —Andrew Carnegie
The world had lost a great man who had given much of his money and time trying to make it a better place. Carnegie had already given away more than $350 million (about $77 billion today), and immediately after his passing, a prearranged installment of an additional $30 million was sent off to his charities and philanthropic trusts.
His name lives on in the countless libraries, art museums, schools, charities, and all-around good causes that he promoted both during his life and after it came to an end. They say that Andrew Carnegie is the father of the philanthropist—the modern-day concept of the wealthy giver. Always ascribing to his “Gospel of Wealth” which urged those who had a surplus to spread their wealth to the
This one is about Andrew Carnegie and has all the important information about him in a very concise way (you can read it within an hour).
This is my assessment of this book Andrew Carnegie, by Hourly history according to my 8 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 3 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 5 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non-English native) - 4 stars
5. Too long (more than 500 pages) - short and concise (150-200 pages) - 5 stars
6. Boring - every sentence is interesting - 3 stars
7. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
8. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humouristic and fun parts - 3 stars
Total 3.875 stars
“The average person puts only 25% of his energy and ability into his work. The world takes off its hat to those who put in more than 50% of their capacity, and stands on its head for those few and far between souls who devote 100%.” —Andrew Carnegie
by 1847 unemployment in the region hit rock bottom, eventually leading to food riots in the Scottish cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. In these dire conditions, the Carnegies finally made up their mind to leave Scotland for good.
Little Andrew was given the job of a bobbin boy, tasked with changing spools of cotton thread. He typically did this no less than twelve hours a day and for six days out of any given week. His pay for his labors amounted to just $1.20 a week, which is about $35 by today’s standards.
His efforts soon earned him recognition from a big-name manufacturer named John Hay. Hay was impressed with Andrew’s hard work and offered him a job and a raise in the amount of $2.00 per week, which would be about $58 today. It was definitely a step up for the poor immigrant laborer.
would meet the acquaintance of a few young men whom he would be friends with for life. Calling themselves the “Original Six,” this group of working-class youth consisted of Carnegie, John Phipps, William Crowley, Thomas Miller, James R. Wilson, and James Smith.
It was together with his young friends that Carnegie made the efforts that cold winter of 1848-1849 to better himself by attending night classes in Pittsburgh where he was taught a valuable new skill, double-entry bookkeeping.
Along with this gift of memorization, Andrew Carnegie also seemed to have the uncanny ability of mimicry and interpretation.
As he continued to excel in his work at the telegraph company, Carnegie also began to pursue academic studies when a man by the name of Colonel James Anderson, at his own expense, opened up his personal library consisting of some 400 different texts in order for working boys to achieve their own self-styled education. This is where Carnegie was truly able to further his education. Carnegie would always be thankful for this library of information that he had been gifted, and one day he would repay the world with countless libraries and educational foundations that would bear his own name.
Carnegie was elated to hear the news, and with a starting salary of $1,500 a year, he signed onto the position on December 1, 1859. From the lowly bobbin boy of yesteryear to becoming the superintendent of his own railroad at the age of 24, Andrew Carnegie had come a long way.
The promotion he received in Pittsburgh would forever change the trajectory of his life, and just like the powerful steam engines he presided over, once Carnegie’s train was on the track, it was full steam ahead—there was no looking back.
“Do your duty and a little more and the future will take care of itself.” —Andrew Carnegie
“While the law [of competition] may be sometimes hard for the individual, it is best for the race, because it insures the survival of the fittest in every department.” —Andrew Carnegie
“Surplus wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in his lifetime for the good of the community.” —Andrew Carnegie
With his family life set and his businesses generating more money than he could spend, by 1901, Carnegie was so rich and successful that he considered retiring.
Helping him to organize his retirement savings was none other than John Pierpont Morgan, the famed banker and financial wizard of the era.
Morgan believed that the best way to go about doing so was to purchase Carnegie’s holdings as well as the holdings of others and consolidate them all under one massive company in order to streamline the process.
It was these efforts that produced the United States Steel Corporation on March 2, 1901. Right at the dawn of the twentieth century, U.S. Steel would become the richest corporation in the world, exceeding the billion-dollar mark. And at this point, Carnegie was one of the wealthiest people in the world, a fact that motivated him to move toward another stage in his life—one of philanthropy.
“Perhaps the most tragic thing about mankind is that we are all dreaming about some magical garden over the horizon, instead of enjoying the roses that are right outside today.” —Andrew Carnegie
The world had lost a great man who had given much of his money and time trying to make it a better place. Carnegie had already given away more than $350 million (about $77 billion today), and immediately after his passing, a prearranged installment of an additional $30 million was sent off to his charities and philanthropic trusts.
His name lives on in the countless libraries, art museums, schools, charities, and all-around good causes that he promoted both during his life and after it came to an end. They say that Andrew Carnegie is the father of the philanthropist—the modern-day concept of the wealthy giver. Always ascribing to his “Gospel of Wealth” which urged those who had a surplus to spread their wealth to the
January 27, 2020
Knowing just about nothing besides the name and the fact that he donated to many libraries, I learned a great deal about Andrew Carnegie in this publication. I'm glad the author explained the snippet in Carnegie's life that caused him to donate so much money to libraries. Carnegie was a Scotsman who learned to be grateful for whatever was offered to him.
I would have liked to have known why Carnegie did not help his former mentor (Thomas Scott) when the older man was financially hurt by the Panic of 1873. With all of his philanthropy, it surprised me that he would not help this man who had given Carnegie a hand up when he was starting out.
The personal details about Carnegie's life were a bit sparse, I thought. It seemed amusing that a man of Carnegie's stature would avoid marrying until after his mother died since she seemed jealous of anyone else sharing Andrew's life and wealth. This is a very interesting peek into the world of an industrialist baron.
I would have liked to have known why Carnegie did not help his former mentor (Thomas Scott) when the older man was financially hurt by the Panic of 1873. With all of his philanthropy, it surprised me that he would not help this man who had given Carnegie a hand up when he was starting out.
The personal details about Carnegie's life were a bit sparse, I thought. It seemed amusing that a man of Carnegie's stature would avoid marrying until after his mother died since she seemed jealous of anyone else sharing Andrew's life and wealth. This is a very interesting peek into the world of an industrialist baron.
May 31, 2020
There is much to be admired about Andrew Carnegie. Through diligence, he worked his way up into better and better jobs. He wasn’t perfect and made mistakes but seemed to learn the lessons. Obviously, he had a head for business, and through partners and being in the right place at the right time, managed to accumulate great wealth, but what really stands out in this short book is that he wanted to give back. He was one of the first truly great philanthropists who inspired others after him. It’s always interesting to find out how someone who came from nothing managed to achieve great success. In later life, he became an advocate for peace and attempted to avert World War I, which is another reason to admire him.
May 1, 2020
I so enjoy these brief historical updates…
Having previously finished a good novel regarding the Carnegie family (Carnegie’s Maid), I was anxious to learn more “true to life “information about the man. Seeing this hourly history become available, I am immediately decided to read it.
As with several other hourly histories that I have had the opportunity to read, this one was also exceptional.
Andrew Carnegie was definitely a man for all ages. His name still embodies philanthropy, shared wealth, and great knowledge.
Born in poverty and then 84 years later dying with great wealth, his was a life of hard work, compassion, and dedicated direction.
Having previously finished a good novel regarding the Carnegie family (Carnegie’s Maid), I was anxious to learn more “true to life “information about the man. Seeing this hourly history become available, I am immediately decided to read it.
As with several other hourly histories that I have had the opportunity to read, this one was also exceptional.
Andrew Carnegie was definitely a man for all ages. His name still embodies philanthropy, shared wealth, and great knowledge.
Born in poverty and then 84 years later dying with great wealth, his was a life of hard work, compassion, and dedicated direction.
January 12, 2019
Just the facts please.
Decent work, my biggest problem is what I have with the whole series, the authors seem to think we are unfeeling gods who need everything explained to us even between the line for us and we need to understand little things that are still common today. These are decent briefs sketches of history but we readers are not shocked that hard times might happen and we can reason too. Though this is kindle unlimited and we do get to learn basic history of those we have heard of
Decent work, my biggest problem is what I have with the whole series, the authors seem to think we are unfeeling gods who need everything explained to us even between the line for us and we need to understand little things that are still common today. These are decent briefs sketches of history but we readers are not shocked that hard times might happen and we can reason too. Though this is kindle unlimited and we do get to learn basic history of those we have heard of
June 29, 2019
Wow! Carnegie put Pittsburgh on the Map!
I gave this four stars because it didn’t really mention any of Carnegie’s flaws except turning his back on the friend who helped advance his career. He truly was a great man with a moral compass who made Pittsburgh what it is today! Being a native Pittsburgher, I am grateful for all that he did for my city. He truly went from rags to riches due to his wisdom and being in the right place at the right time!
I gave this four stars because it didn’t really mention any of Carnegie’s flaws except turning his back on the friend who helped advance his career. He truly was a great man with a moral compass who made Pittsburgh what it is today! Being a native Pittsburgher, I am grateful for all that he did for my city. He truly went from rags to riches due to his wisdom and being in the right place at the right time!
December 21, 2021
Error
While I recommend this book and found it to be informative and a good summation of Mr. Carnegie’s life and accomplishments - I also found that someone did either a poor job of proof-reading or that an pretty substantial ‘typo’ was made:
WW I did not end on Nov. 11, 2014
It was 11-11-1918. ( the conflict actually started in 1914.)
While I recommend this book and found it to be informative and a good summation of Mr. Carnegie’s life and accomplishments - I also found that someone did either a poor job of proof-reading or that an pretty substantial ‘typo’ was made:
WW I did not end on Nov. 11, 2014
It was 11-11-1918. ( the conflict actually started in 1914.)
October 21, 2019
Fast & Informative Read
Well written chronological life of Carnegie without any diversion with unnecessary details used as fillers. Ambiguous feelings about a world philanthropist who denies a longtime friend for help.
Well written chronological life of Carnegie without any diversion with unnecessary details used as fillers. Ambiguous feelings about a world philanthropist who denies a longtime friend for help.
December 29, 2022
Inspiring Story
Andrew Carnegie was a man who dedicated his life and wealth to benefit mankind. He is an inspiration to all who follow his path to share his prosperity with the world.
An excellent read.
Andrew Carnegie was a man who dedicated his life and wealth to benefit mankind. He is an inspiration to all who follow his path to share his prosperity with the world.
An excellent read.
November 5, 2023
Good Book
It was very interesting but it left out a important fact. He was one of the men involved with the court case dealing with the 1889 Johnstown Flood. They were deemed not culpable but that was because of their position and wealth.
It was very interesting but it left out a important fact. He was one of the men involved with the court case dealing with the 1889 Johnstown Flood. They were deemed not culpable but that was because of their position and wealth.
January 12, 2019
For a one hour read of Carnegies life it was OK - I like these short histories on the Kindle for subway rides - If one knows little of Carnegie it is a reasonable investment of a short time
August 12, 2019
Andrew Carnegie is the father of the philanthropist
I had no idea how wealthy Carnegie really was. I thought that he was one of the robber barons from the gilded age.
I had no idea how wealthy Carnegie really was. I thought that he was one of the robber barons from the gilded age.
August 3, 2020
Best quick reads
A peek into the life of Andrew Carnegie, one of the successful entrepreneurs qnd philanthropist of all time. Short and simple.
A peek into the life of Andrew Carnegie, one of the successful entrepreneurs qnd philanthropist of all time. Short and simple.
November 4, 2020
Very short. Reads like a white paper. Good life overview, but little detail. Teased me enough to learn more about this tycoon in a future read.
May 2, 2021
Review
Superficial. Content could have been arranged better. Does not give a good or complete picture of the person he was.
Superficial. Content could have been arranged better. Does not give a good or complete picture of the person he was.
October 17, 2021
What an incredible person and an interesting read.
November 28, 2021
Love this series. Short little books with plenty of information to give you a good overall view of a historical character. Learned a few things in this one.
January 31, 2023
Facts?
Page 41. WW1 was over on Nov. 11, 1914? Really? Off by a few years sparky. 4th grade fact. Sad
Page 41. WW1 was over on Nov. 11, 1914? Really? Off by a few years sparky. 4th grade fact. Sad
May 8, 2024
I didn't know much about Carnegie before reading this, and sadly, I still don't know much.
June 30, 2024
Basic history of Andrew carnegies life.
Read
September 1, 2024Easy, interesting read!
Learned new things about Andrew
Carnegie ...a true philanthropist! Very interesting and easy to read. Great intro to Andrew's life.
Learned new things about Andrew
Carnegie ...a true philanthropist! Very interesting and easy to read. Great intro to Andrew's life.
October 22, 2024
incorrect date
WW1 ended 11/11/1918 not 1914, otherwise a wonderful read and extremely enlightening. Would only some of todays billionaires follow his example.
WW1 ended 11/11/1918 not 1914, otherwise a wonderful read and extremely enlightening. Would only some of todays billionaires follow his example.
April 26, 2021
Something is missing
Parts of his life are missing, his relationship with Frick, his lack of care for his employees. Libraries are great but what about a living wage and decent working hours?
Parts of his life are missing, his relationship with Frick, his lack of care for his employees. Libraries are great but what about a living wage and decent working hours?
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews