Andrew Carnegie

Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie's story reads like the script of a made-for-TV movie. From his humble beginnings as an impoverished immigrant from Scotland, Carnegie rose to become the richest man of his time. The 19th-century industrialist is better known today for his vast philanthropic work, establishing more than 2,500 public libraries across the United States and the world. But like any good story, Carnegie's tale is not without controversy. PBS explores all the facets of his fascinating life in its Web site "The Richest Man in the World: Andrew Carnegie" (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carnegie/index.html).
Chock-full of biographical information, "Richest Man" is an interesting read. It does a good job of trying to present a balanced look at the life of the former captain of industry, and doesn't sugarcoat the contradictions that make Carnegie such a fascinating historical figure.
For example, although he spoke out in favor of the right of the working class to unionize during America's tumultuous Industrial Revolution, wages and working conditions in Carnegie's steel mills were deplorable. The 1892 labor dispute at his Homestead Works steel mill in Pennsylvania, which erupted into violence and left 10 people dead, haunted him for the remainder of his life.
Yet, the energy Carnegie spent in gaining his wealth was matched only by his drive to help mankind. After selling his steel company in 1900 to J.P. Morgan for $480 million, he spent the next decade donating $350 million to colleges and universities, hospitals, libraries and other causes.
XEric Goodwin writes Hotlink for Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. You can send e-mail to egoodwin@krtinfo.com.