The Law of Success - Vol I : Principles of Self-Mastery

Rating:
Summary: I have to disagree with the reviewer from Canada...
Review: First on the quality of information in this book, it is outstanding. The tossil marker, sufficient. But more to the point, this reader says Napolean Hill did not write a book called Keys to Success; I beg your pardon. He certaintly did. It is subtitled: The 17 Principles of Personal Achievement and actually offers even more concrete information on these 17 principles than Think and Grow Rich.

Hill also wrote The Master Key to Riches which this reviewer from Canada refers to. EASY MISUNDERSTANDING. Just wanted to clear that up.

Rating:
Summary: The review you've been waiting for.
Review: Greetings. I may be exactly where you were, wondering what this new revised edition has to offer that the others do not (Esp. the ORIGINAL UNABRIDGED VERSION of THE LAW OF SUCCESS that was released by Melvin Powers.) (1928 version)

Here's the deal:

This book actually has Hill's original work that was, I believe, the 5th edition published by Friends of Napoleon Hill, with a few adjustments. Some of the text has been altered ie the changing of "long-haired theorist" to simply "theorist".. etc. Also, instead of Hill's famous "The author claims" sayings, they've been altered to "I claim".

This book is an annotated version, meaning that supplimentary comments are added. What I noticed unfortunately was the comments are brief, and not well researched. For example, Sartwell writes about how autosuggestion has been improved and documented after Hill's first publication, but has failed to offer the name of a science which studies the nature of the mind and subconscious influence. This science is called Neuro Lingustic Programming or "NLP".

Also, the after-visit with the author sections found on the original copies of the Law of Success are not all included in this republication.

One thing that you MAY be looking for (as I was) was that Sartwell talks about how Hill has changed his views on marriage and The Master Mind. In the original text, Hill stressed that we MUST get married with a woman to receive the full benefits of this principle. However, homosexuality exists, and some people do not wish to get married. Perhaps Hill realized this, considering he now believes that Sex Transmutation (10th Step toward Riches in Think and Grow Rich) will suffice instead of getting married.

What I didn't like about this edition:

The little bookmark tassle in the book itself is poorly made, ie it's obviously just cut off with some sort of machine that frays the ends. Not impressive for an expensive collector's edition. The paper is very thin and will not do well with a highlighter. Sigh.

Also, you will find inconsistencies, such as Matthew Hartwell's introduction claiming that Napoleon Hill wrote a classic called "Keys to Success". Sorry, but Napoleon Hill did NOT write this book; he wrote "Master Key to Riches". "Keys to Success" was a book published by Plume that Matthew Sartwell organized by taking chunks out of Hill's works.

Hope that helps your decision.

Thanks!

Rating:
Summary: To truly clear the air about Napolean Hill........
Review: I have been following Napolean Hill since 1975. The review that precedes mine indicates that Hill only wrote a few books that the reviewer posts. The fact is that Napolean Hill wrote ALL the books that bear his name. TRUE, some of his books have been repreinted by other publishers, I believe this is what the reviewer is trying to communicate.

Saying that he did not write all the books he is credited with is like saying that is not Napolean Hill's voice on the tape programs.

Obviously, this reviewer is as confused as the reviewer from Canada. In fact, probably the same person who suddenly decided to live in New Jersey.

Rating:
Summary: Just To Set The Record Straight
Review: Just to set the record straight Napoleon Hill only wrote the following books.

1919-1920
"The Golden Rule Magazine"
Napoleon Hill edited and published

1928
"Law of Success"
published (Ralston Society, Publishers)

1930
"The Magic Ladder to Success"

1937
"Think and Grow Rich"

1939
"How to Sell Your Way Through Life"

1953
"How to Raise Your Own Salary"

1960
"Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude"

1970
"You Can Work Your Own Miracles"

All other books were either compiled by others or used his notes to write the books, he himself did not write them, period. I have been studying his works for 15 years. Yes, I am rich from studying his works.

As with any revision there will always be some critics, the original LOS contained only 15 laws, I have seen the original set with my own eyes, again the authors are correct.

Some of the things in this book could have been done differently as with all revisions, however they did their best to remain true to the spirit of the book...

I purchased the huge paperback and enjoyed the little notes they added, some of them could have gone a little deeper, but no biggie.

Ideally, in a perfect world it would be perfect. Keep in mind they worked with a lot of people who all had to agree on these things.