Twenty Years of Hus'ling

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25087

Title

Twenty Years of Hus'ling

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A humorous memoir by J. P. Johnston chronicling twenty years of relentless entrepreneurial struggle. The author details his numerous business failures across diverse fields—from livestock and soap to jewelry and auctioneering—before finally achieving success. With a tone of witty self-deprecation and unwavering optimism, the book serves as an inspiring guide for those determined to succeed through energy, persistency, and honesty despite repeated setbacks.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Twenty Years of Hus'ling*, J. P. Johnston chronicles his tumultuous journey as a perpetual entrepreneur who seemingly tried every business imaginable. Born in Illinois to a widowed mother who remarried a miller, Johnston's early life was defined by instability and an insatiable drive to become a live-stock dealer. His career became a rollercoaster of "hus'ling"—a term he coined for hustling or struggling. Starting with sheep, his ventures frequently collapsed due to financial mismanagement, such as a failed chicken deal and the destruction of a wagon load of eggs. He relied heavily on a recurring benefactor, Mr. Keefer, to fund risky enterprises in sheep pelts, restaurants, patent rights, and manufacturing, often ending in swindles or arrests. Despite bankruptcies in soap making, fruit stands, and jewelry peddling, Johnston invariably found a way to rise again. A significant portion of the narrative details his time as an auctioneer, where he employed elaborate sales tactics. One memorable incident involved lathering a customer with soap without shaving him, claiming they must "get shaved across the street." After facing health issues and a diagnosis of only two years to live, which he outwitted, Johnston eventually secured a wholesale jewelry business. He leveraged his vast experience as "stock in trade," selling to merchants and hotel staff with his characteristic flair. The book concludes with his establishment of the Johnston Car-seat Company. Throughout, Johnston emphasizes that energy and refusal to quit are the true secrets to success, advising readers to avoid the trap of being satisfied with a bare living and to aggressively seize opportunities. He argues that the most successful individuals are those who never look on the dark side, regardless of how dismal their prospects may seem.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25087.epub.noimages

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data/epubs/pg25087.epub

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Categories

• Biography
• Business