Self-Help Messiah: Dale Carnegie and Success in Modern America

As far as some parts of Dale Carnegie's life are concerned, this book goes into more details than Giles Kemp's book on Dale Carnegie. Some of the things mentioned in this book include the following: Dale's decision to marry his first wife may have been impulsive since he met his first wife only a few months before getting married and knew very little about her personality at the time he married her. She was born Lolita Baucaire in 1886 in Ulm, Germany. In 1909, she married Charles Harris, a prosperous dentist. Charles was born in 1860, thus making him 26 years older than her. She spoke four languages fluently. However, Lolita and Charles were divorced in 1920. Dale Carnegie had a way of significantly reducing people's fears. In one instance, the book mentioned about a man worrying about a foreign accent he had and Dale complimented him by saying that the foreign accent made him unique. As a result, the man overcame his fears and delivered a great speech. The book mentioned that Dale Carnegie was involved in a relationship with Frieda Offenbach and that Dale believed that he was the biological father of the child, Linda Dale Offenbach. He supported the child both emotionally and financially. Dale had an enthusiasm for people and an enthusiasm for life which inspired many people. In person, off the stage, he was a down to earth person which reminded people of a favorite uncle. It is unfortunate that he was sick in the 1950's decade and died in 1955 as a result. He has been missed by a lot of people since he passed away in 1955.

I have read hundreds of self help books and I knew that Carnegie was a "founding father" of this movement but I never knew the man until now. One word, WOW ! His life, although not the most interesting, shows how we as average people can really rise above and make a difference. His life also shows how no one is close to perfect and some of the details of his private affairs are just plain incredible and strange. The impact of his work people the last 50 years is truly amazing though and to have that influence and still be generally an average person, it's really a good story. This is a long book to tell the tale but it's worth pounding away and getting to know a very impactful person.

Going through the Dale Carnegie course long ago and becoming a Graduate Asssitant many times, I thought I knew Dale Carnegie, the man. I was wrong. Finally we have access to his fascinating life, not only what he talked about in his classes openly but some other aspects he may not have ben too proud of, during his life. I think all thiose struggles and falls added to his wisdom. His life in Europe is especially interesting. Lovely book even the look of it.

Wonderful book. It captures in detail the evolution of Dale Carnegie from a Missouri farm boy to the most influential self help legend in American history. Details of his private life and analysis of the major principles in his famous books and public speaking teachings are discussed. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in self-help materials and especially benefited from reading a book by Dale Carnegie.

Watts captures a full and authentic picture of Dale Carnegie though takes too much liberty with religious metaphors and connections. The book not only details the life of this important modern figure but provides a historical context for the evolution of the keys to success over the past two centuries in business.

One of my favorite all time books, and I read a lot. A good biography of the best trainer in the USA. Thisbook is also over 500 pages. It was well worth the money .

excellent

I thought this book was innovative and informative. I got a lot out of the self help part just by reading it. Carnegie was a fascinating man. A good read.

Excellent

It is an excellent book. I am very happy of the way it was delivered to my home.