The Greatest Salesman in the World

by Og Mandino, George

Overview

What you are today is not important . . . for in this runaway bestseller you will learn how to change your life by applying the secrets you are about to discover in the ancient scrolls. 

“I will persist until I succeed.

I was not delivered into this world into defeat, nor does failure course in my veins. I am not a sheep waiting to be prodded by my shepherd. I am a lion and I refuse to talk, to walk, to sleep with the sheep.

The slaughterhouse of failure is not my destiny.

I will persist until I succeed.”

—From the ancient scroll marked III in The Greatest Salesman in the World

Praise for The Greatest Salesman in the World

“The Greatest Salesman in the World is one of the most inspiring, uplifting, and motivating books I have ever read. I can well understand why it has had such a splendid acceptance.”—Norman Vincent Peale

“At last! A book on sales and salesmanship that can be read and enjoyed by veteran and recruit alike! I have just completed The Greatest Salesman in the World for the second time—it was too good for just one reading—and in all sincerity, I say that it is the most readable, most constructive and most useful instrument for the teaching of sales as a profession that I have ever read.”—F.W. Errigo, Manager, U. S. Sales Trainer at Parke, Davis & Company

“I have read almost every book that has ever been written on salesmanship, but I think Og Mandino has captured all of them in The Greatest Salesman in the World. No one who follows these principles will ever fail as a salesman, and no one will ever be truly great without them; but, the author has done more than present the principles—he has woven them into the fabric of one of the most fascinating stories I have ever read.”—Paul J. Meyer, President of Success Motivation Institute, Inc.

“Every sales manager should read The Greatest Salesman in the World. It is a book to keep at the bedside, or on the living room table—a book to dip into as needed, to browse in now and then, to enjoy in small stimulating portions. It is a book for the hours and for the years, a book to turn to over and over again, as to a friend, a book of moral, spiritual and ethical guidance, an unfailing source of comfort and inspiration.”—Lester J. Bradshaw, Jr., Former Dean, Dale Carnegie Institute of Effective Speaking & Human Relations

“I was overwhelmed by The Greatest Salesman in the World. It is, without doubt, the greatest and the most touching story I have ever read. It is so good that there are two musts that I would attach to it: First, you must not lay it down until you have finished it; and secondly, every individual who sells anything, and that includes us all, must read it.”—Robert B. Hensley, President, Life Insurance Co. of Kentucky

“Og Mandino provocatively prods your attention into fascination as he masterfully relates his story. The Greatest Salesman in the World is a book with emotional appeal for millions.”—Roy Garn, Executive Director, Emotional Appeal Institute

“There are very few men who have the writing talent with which Og Mandino has been blessed. The thoughts contained in this book symbolize the importance of selling to the entire world’s existence.”—Sol Polk, President, Polk Bros., Inc.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780553277579
Publisher:	Random House Publishing Group
Publication date:	01/01/1983
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	2,098
Product dimensions:	6.94(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.36(d)

About the Author

Og Mandino is one of the most widely read inspirational and self help authors in the world. Former president of Success Unlimited magazine, Mandino was the first recipient of the Napoleon Hill Gold Medal for literary achievement. Og Mandino was a member of the International Speakers Hall of Fame and honored with the Masters of Influence by the National Speakers Association. Og Mandino died in 1996, but his books continue to inspire countless thousands all over the world.

Editorial Reviews

The Greatest Salesman in the World is one of the most inspiring, uplifting, and motivating books I have ever read. I can well understand why it has had such a splendid acceptance.”—Norman Vincent Peale
 
“At last! A book on sales and salesmanship that can be read and enjoyed by veteran and recruit alike! I have just completed The Greatest Salesman in the World for the second time—it was too good for just one reading—and in all sincerity, I say that it is the most readable, most constructive and most useful instrument for the teaching of sales as a profession that I have ever read.”—F.W. Errigo, Manager, U. S. Sales Trainer at Parke, Davis & Company
 
“I have read almost every book that has ever been written on salesmanship, but I think Og Mandino has captured all of them in The Greatest Salesman in the World. No one who follows these principles will ever fail as a salesman, and no one will ever be truly great without them; but, the author has done more than present the principles—he has woven them into the fabric of one of the most fascinating stories I have ever read.”—Paul J. Meyer, President of Success Motivation Institute, Inc.
 
“Every sales manager should read The Greatest Salesman in the World. It is a book to keep at the bedside, or on the living room table—a book to dip into as needed, to browse in now and then, to enjoy in small stimulating portions. It is a book for the hours and for the years, a book to turn to over and over again, as to a friend, a book of moral, spiritual and ethical guidance, an unfailing source of comfort and inspiration.”—Lester J. Bradshaw, Jr., Former Dean, Dale Carnegie Institute of Effective Speaking & Human Relations
 
“I was overwhelmed by The Greatest Salesman in the World. It is, without doubt, the greatest and the most touching story I have ever read. It is so good that there are two musts that I would attach to it: First, you must not lay it down until you have finished it; and secondly, every individual who sells anything, and that includes us all, must read it.”—Robert B. Hensley, President, Life Insurance Co. of Kentucky
 
“Og Mandino provocatively prods your attention into fascination as he masterfully relates his story. The Greatest Salesman in the World is a book with emotional appeal for millions.”—Roy Garn, Executive Director, Emotional Appeal Institute 
 
“There are very few men who have the writing talent with which Og Mandino has been blessed. The thoughts contained in this book symbolize the importance of selling to the entire world’s existence.”—Sol Polk, President, Polk Bros., Inc.
 
“I have just finished the uninterrupted reading of The Greatest Salesman in the World. The plot is original and ingenious. The style is interesting and fascinating. The message is moving and inspiring. Everyone of us is a salesman, no matter what his occupation or profession. Most of all, first he must sell himself to himself in order to find personal happiness and peace of mind. This book, if carefully read, absorbed and heeded, can help every one of us to be his best salesman.”—Dr. Louis Binstock, Rabbi, Temple Sholom, Chicago
 
“I like the story . . . I like the style . . . I like the book. Every salesman and members of his family should read it.”—W. Clement Stone, President, Combined Insurance Co. of America
 
“In my opinion, The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino will become a classic. I have published hundreds of books over the years but Og Mandino’s powerful message found a place in my innermost being. I am proud to be the publisher of this book.”—Frederick V. Fell

From the Publisher

This is a sequel to Mandino's 1967 bestselling parable about Hafid, a camel boy who happened upon a young couple and their shivering infant. Carrying a red cloak, which his master had instructed him to sell, ok?he generously wrapped it around the child, who was the infant Jesus. Impressed by this generous gesture, Hafid's master gave him scrolls containing 10 straightforward principles for achieving personal and professional success. Part two begins as aging Hafid of Damascus, now the greatest salesman in the world, languishes after the death of his ``loving woman.'' To rejuvenate himself, Hafid undertakes a speaking tour to enlighten others about the 10 principles. During this journey, Hafid learns that the man he gave the scrolls, Jesus' apostle Paul, lost them in a shipwreck. Just before he dies, Hafid goes to hallowed Mt. Hermon, where God addressed Jesus, and creates new scrolls for posterity. At this point, Mandino explains each of the 10 rules in simple, reasonable prose. Among other things, he exhorts his disciples to eschew self-pity, establish goals, behave amiably and actively seek new opportunities. While his inspirational message is banal, the author communicates so lucidly and persuasively that those who enjoyed his first book will undoubtedly find this one equally appealing. Major ad/promo; author tour. (March)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

This sequel to Mandino's 1967 self-help classic features the same amalgam of biblical motifs and secular values as its predecessor. As the new story opens, an older Hafid (who rose from camel boy to ``greatest salesman'' in the original) is mourning his wife, oblivious to the needs of others, until a stranger directs him toward a new career preaching to the masses on the subject of success. On his travels he meets biblical figures (including St. Paul, languishing in jail till the salesman revives him). Closing with ten ``Vows of Success,'' this is shaky theologically, but a predictable best seller. EC

Library Journal