ANDREW CARNEGIE: THE MAN AND HIS WORK

New York: Doubleday, Page & Co., 1909. First Edition. . Hardcover. Very Good/No Jacket. Alderson's book appears to be the first full-length biography of arguably the most interesting of the 19th century's "robber barons." Earlier than Carnegie's unfinished autobiography or several later more historically oriented works, Alderson's book tells the story of a young Scottish immigrant, who educated himself through reading and, through self-discipline and hard work, was one of the few true rags-to-riches millionaires of the 19th century. Selling his vast industrial holdings, the "Steel King" began a second career as a philanthropist, providing the money, for instance, to build more than 2,800 free public libraries and hold true to what he often said: "A man who dies rich, dies disgraced." Originally issued in 1902, this copy is First Edition, Later Printing (1909). 6 1/4 x 9 inches. 231 pages in green cloth-covered boards with gold lettering on front cover and spine, and gilded top edge of text. Illustrated with black & white photos and includes index and one page publisher's ad at back. Boards show slightly bumped corners and light surface wear as well as wear at corners and spine ends. Some letters in title on front cover appear to have been deliberately darkened. Writing on inside front cover and pastedown indicate book was previously owned by school library and later a private party. Text shows some soiling and staining but is complete with all illustrations present. Some age-tanning and foxing. Hinges are intact and binding is tight. Overall, a decent copy of this scarce Carnegie biography.