A. P. Giannini: The Man with the Midas Touch

by Dana Haight Cattani and Angela B. Haight

Book Overview

At six, he witnessed his father's murder. At 12, he regularly sneaked out to the waterfront at midnight. At 15, he quit school. At 30, he retired, a self-made man. Then the real work of his life... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1438954921
• ISBN13: 9781438954929
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Authorhouse
• Length: 148 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

trifecta of adventure

I know this is youth literature but the clear and clever way the authors tell a complicated tale of success, integrity and the basics of banking (as well as thinking outside the box and earthquakes) is fabulous and appropriate for older folks too.

Great Book for California Boys

Imagine a chapter of 'In Search of Excellence' written for kids. This book is a great introduction to business, a wondeful review of California history at the beginning of the twentieth century, and a compelling Horatio Alger story. My ten-year-old son, who got this from the library (I admit!), thought it was good enough for me to read (I worked in a bank right out of college). He was right -- although written for 8-12 year olds, it is informative, nuanced and interesting. The core messages of being truly close to your customers, committed to the public good, and indefatigably creative are beautifully presented (lurid cover art not withstanding).

A.P. Giannini, The Man with the Midas Touch

Such a timely book! I felt energized reading this engaging and inspiring portrayal of A.P. Giannini. Especially now, given our current economic situation, it is refreshing to be reminded of the incredible power that one person with a positive, "can-do" attitude has to make a difference in the world. This book should be on every school's required reading list, as it provides a powerful role model, especially for young people who do not have one in their own home. Giannini's life (at least his business life) is a testament to the unlimited potential innate in all of us, and the success that is possible through hard work, integrity, and compassion toward others. Being reminded of these "old-fashioned" values left me feeling uplifted and hopeful. This book is the perfect antidote for the complacency and attitude of entitlement that is, unfortunately, so prevalent in our society today. I highly recommend this book! Inspire your children/students/friends toward excellence!