John Jacob Astor By: Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)
John Jacob Astor is a thought-provoking biography written by Elbert Hubbard. The book delves into the fascinating life and accomplishments of one of America's most prominent business figures. With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Hubbard successfully captures the essence of Astor's entrepreneurial spirit and his significant contributions to the development of the American economy. From the very beginning, Hubbard paints a vivid picture of Astor's humble beginnings, his journey from Germany to the United States, and his relentless pursuit of success. The author explores the challenges Astor faced as a young entrepreneur, navigating the treacherous waters of the fur trade industry while establishing his own trading empire. Hubbard skillfully brings to life the hardships and risks Astor encountered, making the reader empathize with his journey and appreciate the genius behind his business strategies. One of the most commendable aspects of this book is Hubbard's ability to provide historical context. He intertwines Astor's life with the broader narrative of America's development during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, capturing the spirit of the times. Through meticulous research, the author offers a comprehensive account of Astor's involvement in notable events, such as the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the War of 1812. Moreover, Hubbard delves into Astor's philanthropic endeavors, revealing a compassionate side to this astute businessman. Astor's commitment to education and his efforts to establish libraries and universities highlight his dedication not just to his own success but also to the betterment of society. Hubbard emphasizes this aspect of Astor's character, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of his life. The author's writing style is engaging, making it easy for readers to become immersed in the narrative. Hubbard's prose flows smoothly, seamlessly blending facts, anecdotes, and historical analysis. This approach keeps the reader captivated, ensuring that each chapter unfolds with intrigue and leaves us eager to turn the page. However, a potential shortcoming of the book is its occasional focus on superfluous details. While the level of detail often adds depth and color to the story, there are instances where it feels excessive and detracts from the overall flow. Some readers might find themselves wishing for a more condensed account, especially in certain sections that digress from the central theme. In conclusion, John Jacob Astor is a compelling biography that sheds light on the extraordinary life of a remarkable businessman. Elbert Hubbard's meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and ability to provide historical context make this book a standout in the genre. Whether you already have an interest in business history or are simply looking for an inspiring tale, John Jacob Astor offers an immersive reading experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this titan of industry. First Page: LITTLE JOURNEYS TO THE HOMES OF GREAT BUSINESS MEN BY ELBERT HUBBARD JOHN J. ASTOR The man who makes it the habit of his life to go to bed at nine o'clock, usually gets rich and is always reliable. Of course, going to bed does not make him rich I merely mean that such a man will in all probability be up early in the morning and do a big day's work, so his weary bones put him to bed early. Rogues do their work at night. Honest men work by day. It's all a matter of habit, and good habits in America make any man rich. Wealth is a result of habit. JOHN JACOB ASTOR LITTLE JOURNEYS Victor Hugo says, "When you open a school, you close a prison." This seems to require a little explanation. Victor Hugo did not have in mind a theological school, nor yet a young ladies' seminary, nor an English boarding school, nor a military academy, and least of all a parochial institute. What he was thinking of was a school where people young and old were taught to be self respecting, self reliant and efficient to care for themselves, to help bear the burdens of the world, to assist themselves by adding to the happiness of others. Victor Hugo fully realized that the only education that serves is the one that increases human efficiency, not the one that retards it. An education for honors, ease, medals, degrees, titles, position immunity may tend to exalt the individual ego, but it weakens the race and its gain on the whole is nil... Continue reading book >>

John Jacob Astor By: Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)

John Jacob Astor is a thought-provoking biography written by Elbert Hubbard. The book delves into the fascinating life and accomplishments of one of America's most prominent business figures. With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Hubbard successfully captures the essence of Astor's entrepreneurial spirit and his significant contributions to the development of the American economy.

From the very beginning, Hubbard paints a vivid picture of Astor's humble beginnings, his journey from Germany to the United States, and his relentless pursuit of success. The author explores the challenges Astor faced as a young entrepreneur, navigating the treacherous waters of the fur trade industry while establishing his own trading empire. Hubbard skillfully brings to life the hardships and risks Astor encountered, making the reader empathize with his journey and appreciate the genius behind his business strategies.

One of the most commendable aspects of this book is Hubbard's ability to provide historical context. He intertwines Astor's life with the broader narrative of America's development during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, capturing the spirit of the times. Through meticulous research, the author offers a comprehensive account of Astor's involvement in notable events, such as the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the War of 1812.

Moreover, Hubbard delves into Astor's philanthropic endeavors, revealing a compassionate side to this astute businessman. Astor's commitment to education and his efforts to establish libraries and universities highlight his dedication not just to his own success but also to the betterment of society. Hubbard emphasizes this aspect of Astor's character, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of his life.

The author's writing style is engaging, making it easy for readers to become immersed in the narrative. Hubbard's prose flows smoothly, seamlessly blending facts, anecdotes, and historical analysis. This approach keeps the reader captivated, ensuring that each chapter unfolds with intrigue and leaves us eager to turn the page.

However, a potential shortcoming of the book is its occasional focus on superfluous details. While the level of detail often adds depth and color to the story, there are instances where it feels excessive and detracts from the overall flow. Some readers might find themselves wishing for a more condensed account, especially in certain sections that digress from the central theme.

In conclusion, John Jacob Astor is a compelling biography that sheds light on the extraordinary life of a remarkable businessman. Elbert Hubbard's meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and ability to provide historical context make this book a standout in the genre. Whether you already have an interest in business history or are simply looking for an inspiring tale, John Jacob Astor offers an immersive reading experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this titan of industry.

First Page:

LITTLE JOURNEYS TO THE HOMES OF GREAT BUSINESS MEN

ELBERT HUBBARD

JOHN J. ASTOR

The man who makes it the habit of his life to go to bed at nine o'clock, usually gets rich and is always reliable. Of course, going to bed does not make him rich I merely mean that such a man will in all probability be up early in the morning and do a big day's work, so his weary bones put him to bed early. Rogues do their work at night. Honest men work by day. It's all a matter of habit, and good habits in America make any man rich. Wealth is a result of habit.

JOHN JACOB ASTOR

LITTLE JOURNEYS

Victor Hugo says, "When you open a school, you close a prison."

This seems to require a little explanation. Victor Hugo did not have in mind a theological school, nor yet a young ladies' seminary, nor an English boarding school, nor a military academy, and least of all a parochial institute. What he was thinking of was a school where people young and old were taught to be self respecting, self reliant and efficient to care for themselves, to help bear the burdens of the world, to assist themselves by adding to the happiness of others.

Victor Hugo fully realized that the only education that serves is the one that increases human efficiency, not the one that retards it. An education for honors, ease, medals, degrees, titles, position immunity may tend to exalt the individual ego, but it weakens the race and its gain on the whole is nil... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Biography
Literature

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Wikipedia – Elbert Hubbard
Wikipedia – John Jacob Astor

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