Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie

About the book

Andrew Carnegie follows his movement from a Scottish childhood to American industry, recounting early work, influential friendships, and the opportunities that led through telegraphy and railroads toward steel. Business experience shares space with travel, reading, family attachments, and the growth of his philanthropic ambitions. The memoir presents wealth as something that should ultimately serve public purposes, particularly education, libraries, and peace. Its account is also the work of an industrialist explaining his own conduct and priorities, with the selective emphasis that such a position entails. Personal anecdotes make large economic changes appear through individual relationships and decisions. Readers can follow both the formation of Carnegie's public ideals and the self-portrait through which he wished them understood.

• Industry and ambition
• Philanthropy
• Self-representation

Why read it

Read it for the personal story behind an influential conception of wealth and public responsibility.

English text