Chapter X: Nordica: What it Costs to Become a Queen of Song
OF the internationally famous singers, none is a greater favorite than Madame Lillian Nordica. She has had honors heaped upon her by every music-loving country. Milan, St. Petersburg, Paris, London and New York, in turn accepted her. Jewel cases filled with bracelets, necklaces, tiaras and diadems, of gold and precious stones, attest the unaffected sincerity of her admirers in all the great music-centers of the world.
Chapter XI: How He Worked to Secure a Foothold
IN answer to my question, what constitutes success in life, Mr. Howells replied that everything is open to the beginner who has sufficient energy, perseverance and brains.
“A young man stands at the parting of two ways,” he added, “and can take his path this way or that. It is comparatively easy then, with good judgment. Youth is certainly the greatest advantage which life supplies.”
Chapter XII: John D. Rockefeller
THE richest man in the United States, John Davidson Rockefeller, has consented to break his rule never to talk for publication; and he has told me the story of his early struggles and triumphs, and given utterance to some strikingly interesting observations anent the same. In doing so, he was influenced by the argument that there is something of helpfulness, of inspiration, in the career of every self-made man.
Chapter XIII: The Author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic
A POET, author, lecturer, wit and conversationalist, Mrs.
Chapter XIV: A Talk With Edison
DRAMATIC INCIDENTS IN HIS EARLY LIFE
TO discover the opinion of Thomas A. Edison concerning what makes and constitutes success in life is an easy matter—if one can first discover Mr. Edison. I camped three weeks in the vicinity of Orange, N. J., awaiting the opportunity to come upon the great inventor and voice my questions.
Chapter XV: A Fascinating Story
BY GENERAL LEW WALLACE
IN his study, a curiously-shaped building lighted from the top, and combining in equal portions the Byzantine, Romanesque and Doric styles of architecture, the gray-haired author of “Ben-Hur,” surrounded by his pictures, books, and military trophies, is spending, in serene and comfortable retirement, the evening of his life.
Chapter XVI: Carnegie as a Metal Worker
“THERE is no doubt,” said Mr. Carnegie, in reply to a question from me, “that it is becoming harder and harder, as business gravitates more and more to immense concerns, for a young man without capital to get a start for himself, and in the large cities it is especially so, where large capital is essential. Still it can be honestly said that there is no other country in the world, where able and energetic young men and women can so readily rise as in this.
Chapter XVII: John B. Herreshoff, the Yacht Builder
I
THE VOYAGE OF LIFE
Total eclipse; no sun, no moon;
Darkness amid the blaze of noon!—MILTON
Chapter XVIII: A Successful Novelist: Fame After Fifty
Practical Hints to Young Authors,
BY MRS. AMELIA E. BARR
TO be successful! That is the legitimate ideal every true worker seeks to realize.
Chapter XIX: How Theodore Thomas Brought the People Nearer to Music
MR. THOMAS is an early riser, and as I found him one morning, in his chambers in Chicago, he was preparing to leave for rehearsal. The hale old gentleman actively paced the floor, while I conversed with him.
“Mr. Thomas,” I said, “those familiar with the events of your life consider them a lesson of encouragement for earnest and high-minded artists.”
“That is kind,” he answered.
