The ABC of Money

From the days of farmer's bartering for bushels of corn to establishing the concept of credit, this practical guide gets at the root of the subject of money: why it exists and, more importantly, what money really is.

THE ABC OF MONEY is an undiscovered gem offering a wealth of knowledge and Carnegie's shrewd philosophies on the subject - a fascinating look at the history of "debased coin" and "greenbacks," and the value of currency from one of the great American industrialists.


ANDREW CARNEGIE (1835-1919) was an American industrialist and philanthropist. His previous works include "The Gospel of Wealth" (1889) setting forth his idea that rich men are "trustees" of their wealth and should administer it for the good of the public.

Carnegie's benefactions (totaling about $350 million) included Carnegie Hall (1892) in New York City, the Carnegie Institution of Washington (1902), the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission (1904), the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (1905), the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (1910), and over 2,800 libraries.
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BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706-1790) composed "The Way to Wealth" composed this essay for the twenty-fifth anniversary issue of Poor Richard's Almanac, the first issue of which, under the fictitious editorship of "Richard Saunders," appeared in 1733.

Franklin brought together the best of his maxims in the guise of a speech by Father Abraham. Though it is frequently reprinted as "The Way to Wealth," it is also know by earlier titles: Poor Richard Improved and Father Abraham's Speech.