Mr. Selfridge's Romance of Commerce: An Abridged Version of the Classic Text on Business and Life

by H. Gordon Selfridge

Founder of one of the greatest department stores in the world, Harry Gordon Selfridge reopens his doors--and extravagant life--in this updated edition of his classic work. From his striking window displays during the holidays to his glittering love affairs with the most beautiful women in Europe, this book reveals the secrets behind his success as a tycoon. Filled with revolutionary thoughts about business, leadership, and society, Selfridge will inspire you with powerful aphorisms With Mr. Selfridge's Romance of Commerce , you will uncover the innovative ideas that helped launch London's most iconic department store and that changed the lives of women and businessmen everywhere.

144 pages, Hardcover

First published August 18, 2013

About the author

Harry Gordon Selfridge
(1856-1947)

Reviews

[Florence Migga]

I can definitely see [this book] being recommended reading for any businessman or businesswoman working in retail. I appreciated how Selfridge started the book by giving examples to show how he thought everyone, at some point, has been a merchant. This leads into his discussion of different tips and observations that I am sure form the cornerstone of how many businesses operate today.

Read the full review on Book Nerds Across America: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com...

[JF Netto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Selfridge’s life story, his success and his accomplishments as a retailer. When I read about his marketing tactics of luring people through words and imagery in sales flyers and brochures, it gives me a sense of pride and admiration towards his brilliance - his ability to know what people wanted especially the ordinary folks of everyday life. I’ve watched the drama series, the documentaries and when I step foot in London this November, I most certainly want to step foot in his store!

[Jared Ring · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting viewpoint from a man who lead a storied life.

[Kelly F]

a lot of the sayings in the book make it seem it was recently written not the turn of the 1900's.

[Yvonne O'Connor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Harry Gordon Selfridge was born in WI in 1856. He began working at Marshall Fields in Chicago and worked his way to the top with his unique ideas and focus on the customer. He married heiress Rose Buckingham and, when in London, decided to open his own store there. Thus began the legacy of Selfridge's - a store which still exists (despite changes in ownership many times). Harry is credited with coining the phrase "The customer is always right." This book is an abridged version of the full Romance of Commerce written in 1918, the same year his wife died from the Spanish Flu epidemic. It contains random quotes about business, leadership and sales.

Out of a narrative context, the book falls flat. The publisher as smart to capitalize on the popularity of the PBS show on Selfridge's by designing this cute, pocket-sized book. But, there really is no point to this version other than collectibility. I'm glad I didn't buy it and got it from the library because I can think of far better ways to spend $15. Another benefit is the brevity when I'm lagging behind in meeting my yearly goal of 65 books!

[Sabrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this to get myself back in the right mindset for the start of the new season of Mr. Selfridge. But, unfortunately, I found this book to be less than useful in this task. The book is beautifully put together but the text that was included was tedious and less than awe-inspiring.

[Sue Dawkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

complete waste of money

Only had one page about Harry G Selfridges life. Most pages were only half pages, some only a line! Other pages had obscure items on a whole page with no description. Disappointing