Samuel Smiles 
Industrial Biography: Iron Workers and Tool Makers 

In Samuel Smiles’ ‘Industrial Biography: Iron Workers and Tool Makers’, the reader is taken on a journey through the lives and work of some of England’s most influential industrial figures. Written in a clear and engaging style, Smiles provides detailed accounts of the innovations and struggles faced by iron workers and tool makers during the Industrial Revolution. The book offers a unique blend of historical narrative and technical insight, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the development of industry in the 19th century. Smiles’ emphasis on hard work, determination, and self-improvement shines through in this informative and inspirational text. Samuel Smiles, a Scottish author and social reformer, was known for his writings on self-help and industrial progress. Inspired by the success stories of individuals in various industries, Smiles sought to highlight the importance of perseverance and ingenuity in the face of adversity. ‘Industrial Biography’ is a reflection of Smiles’ belief in the power of individual effort and the potential for improvement through hard work and dedication. I highly recommend ‘Industrial Biography: Iron Workers and Tool Makers’ to readers interested in the history of industrialization and the stories of those who played a pivotal role in shaping the modern world. Samuel Smiles’ insightful narrative offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of key figures in the industrial revolution, making it a compelling read for enthusiasts of industrial history.

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Samuel Smiles (1812–1904) was a Scottish author and government reformer, pioneering the genre of self-help with his most notable work, ‘Self-Help; with Illustrations of Character and Conduct’ (1859). He began his career in medicine after studying at the University of Edinburgh, but he soon shifted his focus to writing and social reform. His ethos emphasized individual responsibility and self-improvement, which resonated in Victorian Britain and became instrumental in the development of the self-help movement. In ‘Industrial Biography: Iron Workers and Tool Makers’ (1863), Smiles expounded on the lives and innovations of the engineers and craftsmen who powered the Industrial Revolution. His narrative not only chronicled the technical advancements of his day but also offered inspiration through the perseverance and creativity of the individuals shaping the industry. Smiles’s literary style is marked by a didactic tone, emphasizing morality and hard work. His biographies are often interwoven with philosophical musings on the nature of success, character, and the self-made man. His works remain an important historical record of Victorian industry and have been studied for their unique blend of biography, social commentary, and motivational literature.