Not everyone can start a new business and turn it into a success. Though many have gotten ideas off the ground, few have kept them afloat. While many have opened doors to budding ventures, few have been able to keep them open. And while many have begun freshman businesses, few are true entrepreneurs. What does it take to join this elite rank?

The answer may well best be found from those who know firsthand—the fortunate few who have taken the lightbulbs in their heads and made them shine: pioneers like Henry Ford, George Eastman, Kim Polese, Col. Harland Sanders, Lillian Vernon, Warren Avis, Richard Branson, Dave Thomas, and Steve Jobs. Now, The Book of Entrepreneurs’ Wisdom affords you an unprecedented opportunity to hear—in their own words—what these legends have had to say on the topic of entrepreneurship.

The Book of Entrepreneurs’ Wisdom brings together the essays and speeches of more than fifty pioneers, past and present. From starting up to creating marketing strategies, from taking risks to building brand identity, the writings contained here span the entire spectrum of essential entre-preneurial issues. For example, Wally “Famous” Amos talks about the power in commitment and Lillian Vernon presents her entrepreneur’s toolkit.

For easy reference, the essays contained in The Book of Entrepreneurs’ Wisdom are organized into eight categories, covering the start-up process; the maverick element; venture capital, LBOs, and going public; risk and strategy; inventors turned entrepreneurs; branding, image, and selling; entrepreneurial management; and personal stories. Each essay is preceded by a brief introduction that places it in historical perspective and offers interesting and insightful information about its author’s life and career. And throughout each essay, passages have been highlighted that call attention to each contributor’s most pithy, profound, or quirky ideas.

Offering timeless wisdom from the most successful entrepreneurs ever, The Book of Entrepreneurs’ Wisdom is must reading for anyone looking to join the venerable rank of these gunslingers, explorers, pioneers, and thrill seekers.