Self Help

Self-Help was a book published in 1859 by Samuel Smiles. It has been called "the bible of mid-Victorian liberalism." It sold 20,000 copies within one year of its publication. By the time of Smiles' death in 1904 it had sold over a quarter of a million copies. Robert Blatchford, a socialist activist, said it was "one of the most delightful and invigorating books it has been my happy fortune to meet with" and argued it should be taught in schools. In it, Smiles denounces "the worship of power, wealth, success, and keeping up appearances." Samuel Smiles (23 December 1812 - 16 April 1904), was a Scottish author and reformer. Cover photography by Paul Spremulli.