THE GOSPEL OF WEALTH.

By AndrewCarnegie. Edited by Edward C. Kirkland'16. Cambridge: Harvard University Press,1962. 239 pp. $4.50.

Andrew Carnegie was born in Scotland, was brought to this country by his parents, started to work at 12 years of age for $1.25 a week, and by the time of his death in 1919 had given away the magnificent sum of $311,000,000. A truly spectacular achievement, one must grant - particularly when due recognition is given to the purchasing power of the dollar during the earlier years of the present century.

Carnegie was not only a remarkable industrialist and philanthropist, but an essayist, with a special interest in economic and political issues. In the present attractively printed volume one finds twelve of his essays, including not only his famous discussion on "The Gospel of Wealth" but essays with such provocative titles as "The Advantages of Poverty," "Results of the Labor Struggle," and "Americanism Versus Imperialism."

In addition to the essays the volume contains an excellent introduction by its editor, Prof. Edward C. Kirkland, from which the reader can obtain interesting information about Carnegie and his ideas. Professor Kirkland, whose knowledge of the Carnegie era is vast, further enlightens us by the biographical notes he includes concerning persons, to whom the author alludes. For the general reader it is very useful to have right at hand a few factual tidbits about such men as lames Lick, Dean C. Worcester (born in Thetford, Vermont), Lord Tollemache, and others.

Carnegie held some radical opinions. He felt very strongly that rich men should give away their fortunes during their lifetime, and not to their children; he spoke favorably of labor unions; he favored a federation between England and the United States (and the annexation of Canada).

The style of the essays is lucid, and occasionally flowery and epigrammatical. Carnegie quotes with some frequency from poets and other writers. Shakespeare is a favorite. His quotations are not always accurate, however, as Professor Kirkland helpfully informs us.

As a significant item in Americana, the Carnegie collection of essays is well worth republishing. Students of our history and culture can be glad that the task has been done.