George Horace Lorimer's classic book of paternal advice is timeless for its lessons on conducting one's personal and professional life wisely, and to the very fullest.

Letters from a Self-Made Merchant to His Son consists of twenty letters. In each, the father - John Graham - relays both news and crucial nuggets of advice to his soon-to-graduate son, Pierrepont. The hard-won lessons and experiences of life give rise to all manner of sound advice, with the author's aim being to prepare his son for the world of work that awaits him.

The letters, while complete fiction, are written in a tone that suggests familiarity and a paternal bond. It is this sense of realism, combined with the father's plain spoken and honest thoughts, that makes this book shine. At times the writing is deceptively simple; only through reading and re-reading does the full gravity of the advice rendered become apparent.

Although the style of business conducted by the father may appear archaic in the modern day, his principles of conducting his profession are useful for all time. Thus, as well as being a general primer of wisdom, this book may be considered a useful and motivational source of quotes and teachings on business as a career path.

George Horace Lorimer was a celebrated author and journalist in the early 20th century, familiar through his trade as a newspaperman with many aspects of city life. He would use his observations in news reportage to author a range of books: the 'Graham trilogy' of advice books, of which this is the first and most popular, being his most famous and enduring works.