Books in Great American Entrepreneurs series

The name Thomas Edison is associated with some of the world's greatest inventions: the light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera. What inspired Edison to become an inventor? What struggles did he encounter on his way to greatness, and how did he overcome them? Readers will learn all about Edison, including his biographical details, challenges he encountered, and how he achieved his greatest inventions. Readers will learn about the industrialization of America, Edison's role in nineteenth- and twentieth-century history, and his legacy today. Utilizing color photographs and intriguing sidebars, this book will draw readers in as they learn about Edison's childhood, his famous rivalries, his relationship with the press, and how he became known as the "Wizard of Menlo Park."

Born and raised on a family farm, Henry Ford abandoned his traditional way of life to become an American legend and industry icon. Ford's life mirrored the broad transition taking place in the United States just after the Civil War as it converted from an agrarian to an industrial society during the American phase of the Industrial Revolution. Henry Ford was also a man of contradictions. While he gained fame for producing affordable cars such as the Model T, raising wages, and hiring minorities and immigrants, he also was accused of stubbornness, bigotry, and suppressing workers' rights. This book peels back the layers of Henry Ford's past to examine the motivations, accomplishments, and legacy of the man who changed the way Americans worked and how they lived.

The name Thomas Edison is associated with some of the world's greatest inventions: the light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera. What inspired Edison to become an inventor? What struggles did he encounter on his way to greatness, and how did he overcome them? Readers will learn all about Edison, including his biographical details, challenges he encountered, and how he achieved his greatest inventions. Readers will learn about the industrialization of America, Edison's role in nineteenth- and twentieth-century history, and his legacy today. Utilizing color photographs and intriguing sidebars, this book will draw readers in as they learn about Edison's childhood, his famous rivalries, his relationship with the press, and how he became known as the "Wizard of Menlo Park."

Born into an African American family a few years after the end of the Civil War, the woman who became known as Madam C. J. Walker entered a world where slavery was still a very raw wound in American society. Although she was orphaned at a young age, C. J. Walker quickly learned about the world around her and how to adapt. The children of sharecroppers, she and her sister worked in cotton fields until Walker married at the age of fourteen. Eventually, she settled in St. Louis, Missouri, near her brothers. There, she started her own hair-care company, which grew into an empire and took her around the world. This is the story of Walker's inspiring perseverance on her journey to entrepreneurial success, filled with highs and lows which culminated in her becoming one of the wealthiest women in the twentieth century.

Born and raised on a family farm, Henry Ford abandoned his traditional way of life to become an American legend and industry icon. Ford's life mirrored the broad transition taking place in the United States just after the Civil War as it converted from an agrarian to an industrial society during the American phase of the Industrial Revolution. Henry Ford was also a man of contradictions. While he gained fame for producing affordable cars such as the Model T, raising wages, and hiring minorities and immigrants, he also was accused of stubbornness, bigotry, and suppressing workers' rights. This book peels back the layers of Henry Ford's past to examine the motivations, accomplishments, and legacy of the man who changed the way Americans worked and how they lived.

As one of America's first "celebrities," Benjamin Franklin was immensely popular in his time and remains so today. This Founding Father was a diplomat, inventor, traveler, civic leader, librarian, author, and the list goes on. This compelling biography opens the door to Benjamin Franklin's more unknown side, highlighting not only his professional accomplishments but also diving into stories from his multifaceted life. Quotes, colorful pictures, and fun facts round out this high-energy book that gives readers the inside scoop on one of America's favorite thinkers, dreamers, and doers.

As one of America's first "celebrities," Benjamin Franklin was immensely popular in his time and remains so today. This Founding Father was a diplomat, inventor, traveler, civic leader, librarian, author, and the list goes on. This compelling biography opens the door to Benjamin Franklin's more unknown side, highlighting not only his professional accomplishments but also diving into stories from his multifaceted life. Quotes, colorful pictures, and fun facts round out this high-energy book that gives readers the inside scoop on one of America's favorite thinkers, dreamers, and doers.

Industrialist Andrew Carnegie achieved great financial success in the steel industry in nineteenth-century America. An immigrant from Scotland, Carnegie came to America as a boy and worked hard to become one of the wealthiest men in the world. After retiring from the steel industry, he gave his fortune away, believing the wealthy had an obligation to those less fortunate. Students will follow Carnegie's rags-to-riches story, learning about the industrialization of America and Carnegie's most influential works and achievements. They will also learn of Carnegie's business strategies, how he overcame obstacles and criticism, and his philanthropic work that continues through many institutes and organizations today.

Cornelius Vanderbilt was born for business. Though poorly educated, he built an empire on steam power and died a millionaire. Fueled by the spirit of competition and possessing a brilliant mind for business, Vanderbilt became the first true industrial tycoon. He dominated the shipping industry with steamboats and railroads. Vanderbilt changed the way business was done in America. Readers explore the life and triumphs of America's first industrial titan through photographs, anecdotes, sidebars, and more.

Industrialist Andrew Carnegie achieved great financial success in the steel industry in nineteenth-century America. An immigrant from Scotland, Carnegie came to America as a boy and worked hard to become one of the wealthiest men in the world. After retiring from the steel industry, he gave his fortune away, believing the wealthy had an obligation to those less fortunate. Students will follow Carnegie's rags-to-riches story, learning about the industrialization of America and Carnegie's most influential works and achievements. They will also learn of Carnegie's business strategies, how he overcame obstacles and criticism, and his philanthropic work that continues through many institutes and organizations today.

Born into an African American family a few years after the end of the Civil War, the woman who became known as Madam C. J. Walker entered a world where slavery was still a very raw wound in American society. Although she was orphaned at a young age, C. J. Walker quickly learned about the world around her and how to adapt. The children of sharecroppers, she and her sister worked in cotton fields until Walker married at the age of fourteen. Eventually, she settled in St. Louis, Missouri, near her brothers. There, she started her own hair-care company, which grew into an empire and took her around the world. This is the story of Walker's inspiring perseverance on her journey to entrepreneurial success, filled with highs and lows which culminated in her becoming one of the wealthiest women in the twentieth century.

Cornelius Vanderbilt was born for business. Though poorly educated, he built an empire on steam power and died a millionaire. Fueled by the spirit of competition and possessing a brilliant mind for business, Vanderbilt became the first true industrial tycoon. He dominated the shipping industry with steamboats and railroads. Vanderbilt changed the way business was done in America. Readers explore the life and triumphs of America's first industrial titan through photographs, anecdotes, sidebars, and more.