Pushing to the Front - Couverture souple

A book of inspiration and encouragement to all who are struggling for self-elevation along the paths of knowledge and duty.

“I have read with unusual interest ‘Pushing to the Front.’ It cannot but be an inspiration to every boy or girl who reads it, and who is possessed of an honorable and high ambition. Nothing that I have seen of late is more worthy to be placed in the hands of the American youth.” -William McKinley

“It is destined to be read in nearly every home in the land.” -Boston Herald

“Under such subjects as ‘Man and the Opportunity,’ ‘Boys with No Chance,’ ‘Concentrated Energy,’ ‘The Triumphs of Enthusiasm,’ and kindred themes, the writer of this volume illustrates, from a great range of biographic material, the power of intelligence, energy, character, and aspiration to command the highest kinds of success. The book is crowded with incident and anecdote, and is a storehouse of inspiring illustration drawn from real life.” -The Outlook

“With a great multitude of anecdotes, Mr. Marden endorses the lessons of patience, perseverance, enthusiasm, energy, cheerfulness, resolution, pluck, and all the virtues which go to make up character and success. For it is to be observed that he does not hold up material success and prosperity as the goal to be reached, but has much more in mind the making of men. A fusillade of maxims and pithy sayings is kept up from first to last; and though one anecdote may expel another, and the life of one strong man achieving success in spite of difficulties is likely to be more inspiring than a gross of anecdotes, there are, no doubt, natures which will be stimulated by this cheerful, energetic book.” -The Atlantic Monthly

“The book is thoroughly readable, for Mr. Marden has spared no pains to bring together an immense number of attractive anecdotes and quotations.” -Daily Chronicle

“Mr. Marden may be congratulated on having produced a volume so exceptionally well-written and interesting, that we do not doubt it will take high rank among the best books that have been brought out as a stimulus and encouragement to aspiring youth....We do not remember having seen anything so admirable in literary style and high purpose as Mr. Marden’s ‘Pushing to the Front.’ The design of the book is to influence, less by argument and appeal, than by stirring example and incident...the pages are crowded with brightly told information concerning the great efforts of noble men and women, who have won success in spite of overwhelming difficulties.” -Schoolmaster

“A modern wonder, and should be in the hands of every American boy.” -Bishop Newman

“A store-house of incentives, a treasury of precious sayings, a granary of seed-thoughts capable of a fine character harvest.” -Rev. Edward A. Horton, Boston

“Dr. Marden’s power of pithy statement and pertinent illustration seems inexhaustible.” -President Warren, of Boston University

“In this field of epitomized biography arranged especially for the encouragement of youth I the pursuit of the honorable ambition to succeed, there is probably no finer work than this.” -Christian Work

Dr. Orison Swett Marden (1848-1924) was an American inspirational author who wrote about achieving success in life and founded SUCCESS magazine in 1897. He is often considered as the father of the modern-day inspirational talks and writings and his words make sense even to this day. In his books he discussed the common-sense principles and virtues that make for a well-rounded, successful life. His first book, Pushing to the Front (1894), became an instant best-seller. Marden later published fifty or more books and booklets, averaging two titles per year.