Description

ABOUT THE BOOK

A bestseller immediately after its publication in 1859, “Self-Help” propelled its author to fame and rapidly became one of Victorian Britain’s most important statements on the allied virtues of hard work, thrift, and perseverance. Smiles’ most celebrated book sold 20,000 copies in its first year of publication and later became known as the ‘Bible of Mid-Victorian Liberalism’. “Self-Help” is often viewed as the precursor of today’s motivational and self-help literature. Here, Samuel Smiles’ text is interpreted for the modern day world. Steve Shipside illustrates the timeless nature of Smiles’ insights by bringing them to life through modern business, socio and political case studies. This brilliant interpretation of “Samuel Smiles’ Self-Help” is an entertaining accompaniment to one of the most famous books on self-improvement ever written. We have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work. As an anthology that invites readers to immerse themselves in the masterpieces of the literary giants, it is must-have addition to any library. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Samual Smiles, originally trained as a doctor before turning to journalism fulltime, wrote for a popular audience to show people how best to take advantage of the changes being brought about by the industrial revolution which was sweeping Britain and other parts of the world in the first half of the 19th century. In his best known work, Self Help he combines Victorian morality with sound free market ideas into moral tales showing the benefits of thrift, hard work, education, perseverance, and a sound moral character. He drew upon the personal success stories of the emerging self-made millionaires in the pottery industry (Josiah Wedgwood), the railway industry (Watt and Stephenson), and the weaving industry (Jacquard) to make his point that the benefits of the market were open to anyone.