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The first preface to the 1981 Edition and was written by Dorothy Carnegie, the widow of author Dale Carnegie. She briefly discusses the highly successful sales history of the book from 1937 (when it was originally published) to 1981 (when this Preface was written). Not only has the book been translated into almost every known written language, but the title itself—How To Win Friends And Influence People—has become a quoted and often-used phrase in the English language.  Mrs. Carnegie then asks the reader why there would be any need for revision, if the book was so successful. She then mentions that her husband used the book to teach courses in “Effective Speaking and Human Relations” and he made many revisions over the years until his death in 1955. Mrs. Carnegie makes it clear that this revision was “to clarify and strengthen the book for a modern reader without tampering with the content.”

The  second preface, “How This Book Was Written—and Why,” starts by describing the lack of successful books in the first part of the 20th century. Carnegie states that he wishes he had a book of this nature because, while skilled in business, he was not adept at “dealing with people.” Carnegie describes how he spent time researching psychology, philosophy, and the biographies of great leaders to write the book. Initially, he presented his findings as a college lecture, but after 15 years of additional research, Carnegie expanded it to a book. There are several anecdotes regarding highly successful individuals that were influenced by the courses. This section closes with the assertion by Harvard Professor William James that people do not fully use their mental and physical resources effectively. Carnegie states that this book will help the reader harness such resources.

The third preface, “Nine Suggestions to Get the Most Out of This Book,” states, and then reiterates, nine pieces of advice. The first, labeled as the most important, is to have a strong desire to learn and improve one’s ability to deal with people. The second states that the reader should read each chapter twice before moving on. The third states that the reader should stop frequently to consider and process the information. The fourth encourages the reader to mark up the book to make it easier to review. The fifth states that the reader should “spend a few hours reviewing it every month” after finishing it. The sixth states that reading is not enough. The reader must apply the principles to truly learn them. The seventh advocates that people who read the book should have their spouse, child, or business associate charge them “a dime or a dollar” if they are caught violating the principles of the book. The eighth states that the reader should conduct a weekly review of one’s progress. The ninth recommends that the reader keep notes at the back of the book, including one’s triumphs and accomplishments.

Next section Part One: Fundamental Techniques in Handling People

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