Publisher's Synopsis
Here is the enlightening memoir of the industrialist as famous for his philanthropy as for his fortune. This is the autobiography by the richest man of his time, after Rockfeller, who donated most of his fortune to establish schools and universities in many countries. Industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie was born on November 25, 1835, in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. Although he had little formal education, Carnegie grew up in a family that believed in the importance of books and learning. The son of a handloom weaver, Carnegie grew up to become one of the wealthiest businessmen in America. Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) was a Scottish American industrialist who led the enormous expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century. He is often identified as one of the richest people and one of the richest Americans ever. During the last 18 years of his life, he gave away to charities, foundations, and universities about $350 million (in 2015 share of GDP, $78.6 billion) - almost 90 percent of his fortune. He built a leadership role as a philanthropist for the United States and the British Empire. His 1889 article proclaiming "The Gospel of Wealth" called on the rich to use their wealth to improve society, and it stimulated a wave of philanthropy.
