Andrew Carnegie

By: David Nasaw

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 32 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Andrew Carnegie, whose lifetime spanned the era from the beginning of the Industrial Revolution to the First World War was America's first modern titan. In this magnificent biography, celebrated historian David Nasaw brings to life this period of unprecedented transition - a time of self-made millionaires, scabs, strikes, and a new kind of philanthropy - through the fascinating rags-to-riches story of one of our most iconic business legends.

The Scottish-born son of a failed weaver and a mother who supported the family by binding shoes, Andrew Carnegie was the embodiment of the American dream. In his rise from a job as a bobbin boy in a cotton factory to being the richest man in the world, he was single-minded, relentless, and a major player in some of the most violent and notorious labor strikes of the time. The prototype of today's billionaire, he was a visionary in the way he earned his money and in the way he gave it away.

Nasaw explains how Carnegie made his fortune and how he tried to pull the world back from a war he predicted. Brimming with new material, personal letters, diaries, prenuptial agreements, letters to and from presidents and prime ministers, Nasaw plumbs the core of this fascinating man, fixing him in his place as one of the most compelling, elusive, and multifaceted personalities of the 20th century.

©2006 David Nasaw (P)2007 Gildan Media Corp

Critic reviews

"This is biography on the grand scale." ( Washington Post Book World)

Worth the listen

My Dad is from Pittsburgh and my Italian immigrant family of course benefited from Carnegies steel. This was a great, thoughtful and solid overview of the man and his empire.

Way Too Detailed

Very long and too detailed. Spent too much time on minor points. Would not recommend to others

Epic and Inspiring

This is a masterful work. It is the perfect partner to the autobiography. It fills in the blanks and gives a powerful portrait of a powerful man.

Outstanding- loved it.

A really thorough and careful look at one of the more meaningful men in history.

Excellent

The book is well narrated. Beside his financial success, It described Carnegie’s life overall mentioning his gratitude, his taste for literature and outdoor activities.

Compelling. Captivating. Enlightening.

Well narrated. Carnegie-a singular life impacting his Era, the current Era, and the future.

One of a Kind

What made the experience of listening to Andrew Carnegie the most enjoyable?

The story was amazing I don't think the majority of people even know who he is and he was one of the most amazing men in History. He has affected life as we know it and made knowledge available to the rich and poor alike. I would have to say he is my favorite historical character. A most amazing man with vision !!

What does Grover Gardner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He done a great job.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No it was long but I hated for it to end!!

Any additional comments?

Buy it , But it, But it you will not be disappointed!!

A true capitalist

Great history lesson here on America and it’s rise of capitalism and Industrial Age. I think this is a must read for any American and entrepreneur.

An amazing biography about an amazing man

The author does a spectacular job of providing a balanced perspective on Carnegie. I found myself at times loving Mr Carnegie, hating him, thinking he was a visionary, a backwards tyrants, a self centered chatter box, and a scholar. I think the author said it best, whatever Carnegie was, he was never boring. The narrator does a wonderful job of keeping the story captivating. All around a great book. As usually happens when I hear a biography, I was sad for it to end. It affected me to hear about the eventual death of this man. I am glad we have stories like these to show us what is possible with human potential. Do yourself a favor and listen to this book.

Very long but very detailed. Great insights.

I read this book because I've read most of the Think and Grow Rich books which are based on Carnegie's philosophy. I wanted more insight into the man that made charitable giving into a business. I will do further research into how he set up his trusts. I want to emulate what he did.