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Uncommon Friends: Life with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Alexis Carrel, & Charles Lindbergh
A delightful reminiscence of the author's relationships with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Alexis Carrel, and Charles Lindbergh. 40 black-and-white photographs.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1987
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 18, 2026
Through no particular design of his own, the author became friends with five very influential and important men: Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Alexis Carrel and Charles Lindbergh. The only name I was unfamiliar with was Alexis Carrel. Each of these men was a pioneer of some sort: Edison brought us electric light and recorded sound, Henry Ford put cars into the hands of common folk, with Harvey Firestone’s tires, Alexis Carrel made modern surgery possible and Charles Lindbergh, the aviation pioneer, helped Carrel by developing some sort of profusion pump that aided Carrel’s surgeries.
The book is filled with anecdotes of the lives of these five men. The narrative of the book moves more or less chronologically, starting with Newton meeting Edison and Ford, then working for Firestone, and developing a lively and close friendship with Carrell and Lindbergh. Of the five, James Newton (Jim, to his friends) had the closest friendship with the Lindbergh’s. The last third of the book has mostly to do with the things they did together and the deep conversations they had. Jim was a Christian who was involved with a group called “Moral Re-Armament” before and during WWII. Lindbergh didn’t see eye-to-eye with him on these things, but had his own way of understanding spirituality. Lindbergh’s early experience with publicity and the press made him a life-long fierce individualist who wanted nothing to do with fame or celebrity. He avoided the press all his life. The author shares some of his correspondence with both Charles and Anne Lindbergh, and she has written the forward to the book.
It was very interesting getting a peek into the lives of these famous men all through one man.
The book is filled with anecdotes of the lives of these five men. The narrative of the book moves more or less chronologically, starting with Newton meeting Edison and Ford, then working for Firestone, and developing a lively and close friendship with Carrell and Lindbergh. Of the five, James Newton (Jim, to his friends) had the closest friendship with the Lindbergh’s. The last third of the book has mostly to do with the things they did together and the deep conversations they had. Jim was a Christian who was involved with a group called “Moral Re-Armament” before and during WWII. Lindbergh didn’t see eye-to-eye with him on these things, but had his own way of understanding spirituality. Lindbergh’s early experience with publicity and the press made him a life-long fierce individualist who wanted nothing to do with fame or celebrity. He avoided the press all his life. The author shares some of his correspondence with both Charles and Anne Lindbergh, and she has written the forward to the book.
It was very interesting getting a peek into the lives of these famous men all through one man.
March 13, 2019
Going back to a simpler time in each of these individuals lives was quite enjoyable and an eye-opening view of their lives.
From the authors standpoint, all of the men shared common traits. They were all brilliant, and relentless in their pursuit of their dreams and inventions. Although controversial at times, they stood up for their beliefs. The author was privileged to have been able to learn from them as well as to share their friendship. I really enjoyed this book.
From the authors standpoint, all of the men shared common traits. They were all brilliant, and relentless in their pursuit of their dreams and inventions. Although controversial at times, they stood up for their beliefs. The author was privileged to have been able to learn from them as well as to share their friendship. I really enjoyed this book.
June 16, 2015
the beginning was more interesting with the stories of Edison, Ford, Firestone, & Carrel….after that, a pretty long recitation of the glories of Lindbergh & all the moral/religious talks & action. bit ironic with what we know about Linbergh's integrity now.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews