Ignorance, Confidence, and Filthy Rich Friends : The Business Adventures of Mark Twain, Chronic Speculator and Entrepreneur

In addition to being one of America s most renowned and beloved writers, Mark Twain considered himself a hard nosed, visionary businessman. After achieving worldwide literary success in mid life, Twain actively pursued his business interests: he developed his own inventions, was a venture capitalist who supported other inventors, a Wall Street investor who made a fortune more than once, and a media mogul who founded his own publishing firm. Not surprisingly, he was also a pioneer in salesmanship. Ignorance, Confidence, and Filthy Rich Friends illuminates this little known side of an American icon in an engaging and informative narrative that details a business career full of adventure, ambition, and insightful instruction. Author Peter Krass examines all the critical events and circumstances that shaped Twain s "Robber Baron" perspective on money and business. He reveals how, while often torn between being an enlightened man of letters and a materialistic capitalist, Twain was motivated by a relentless desire to accumulate great wealth. Krass traces the source of this sometimes unhealthy compulsion to the writer s boyhood—when he developed an irrational fear of poverty after his father s business ventures failed. At times as entertaining and dramatic as one of Twain s own works, this fascinating book tells how the legendary writer and humorist made millions in today s dollars publishing the memoirs of General Ulysses S. Grant. It details his escapades as a venture capitalist—one who made significant investments in some twenty start up firms—and as a Wall Street investor with a sizable stock portfolio. It also tells how, often at the expense of his book projects, he promoted his own inventions, including a children s game he patented in 1885 and numerous other gadgets for everyday use. Along with these enlightening tales, Krass includes brief mini chapters entitled "Quirky Habits & Brazen Philosophy" between chapters throughout the book. These interludes further explore the personal habits that aided Twain s stunning success and feature many memorable witticisms from the master himself. For those who know and love Mark Twain only as a writer and humorist, this book will provide a fascinating and revealing look at his life as a successful man of business.