The Book of Fathers' Wisdom: Guidance, Comfort and Strength from Father to Child

By Edward Hoffman

Giving advice just goes with the territory of being a father. Gathered here from private letters, notes, postcards, and memoirs is a remarkable and revealing collection of fatherly wisdom, given to and by more than a hundred of history's most distinguished dads, including: Bob Dylan, Harry Truman, Warren Buffett, John F. Kennedy, Walt Disney, Isaac Asimov, George Lucas, Charlie Chaplin, Theodore Roosevelt, and many others. Whatever their theme -- money, career, relationships, or self-development -- these thoughtful and insightful nuggets offer a rare glimpse into the minds of some of our most influential fathers. Life doesn't come with an instruction manual. Instead, we rely on advice -- bits of knowledge and experience freely proffered. A father's words can be of immense value, providing guidance, giving comfort, and strengthening the links of memory that connect one generation to the next. The Book of Fathers' Wisdom is a collection of heartfelt writings from history's most famous fathers. The topics featured include faith and community, love, the responsibilities of family, coping with illness and tragedy, work, having respect for others, keeping a sense of humor, and much more. Discover timeless observations from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on overcoming prejudice, John Butler Yeats to his son William on the price of artistic achievement, Jack London on truth, and Charles Dickens and Mahatma Gandhi on success. There are tips for more effective writing from Henry James and C. S. Lewis, plus many other witty and wise lessons from unforgettable dads. The letters, cards, and other writings gathered here make up an extraordinary collection of smart counsel and good advice. The words of biblical figures and Roman statesmen are presented alongside those of modern-day writers, entrepreneurs, and rock stars, each offering his unique, fatherly perspective on living a successful life. As relevant today as when they were first written, their words speak to us -- concerned, intelligent, and perceptive, with the warmth and empathy of a father's welcoming embrace. Book jacket.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806525703
• ISBN13: 9780806525709
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Citadel Pr
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.5" x 1.0" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Marvelous insight into parenting.

Hoffman has a gift for making obscure and difficult truths clear and easily understood. He has selected words of powerful wisdom that bring the oft forgotten subject of "Fatherhood" into crisp focus. This book is written with compassion for children and the deepest respect for fatherhood. Only a soul that has no sympathy for the difficulties and challenges of being a male parent could find this book lacking. An excellent book written by an author with uncommon vision and heart. An excellent gift for a father you may know.