First edition of one of Carnegie's most famous books, extolling the virtues of republicanism and maligning the monarchical system of his native Britain. The author presents an exhaustive description of America's achievements, educational system, agriculture, factories, communications, art, literature, international relations, and, not surprisingly for a wealthy steel magnate, the "National Balance Sheet." Britain, on the other hand, suffers from wastefulness and inequality. Comparative chart is useful for those who wish to know how much larger Texas is than the Austrian Empire or that the Indian Territory is larger than England and Wales put together. Carnegie makes a few statements that no longer appear true, assuming they were correct to begin with: "The Monarchy thinks show grand; the Republic votes it vulgar" (469). One wonders what the author would think if he were alive today; are the roles reversed? Triumphant or tacky? You decide.
