FIRST EDITION OF VIEW FROM THE NINTH DECADE, SIGNED BY DEPARTMENT STORE MOGUL J.C. PENNEY

PENNEY, J.C. View from the Ninth Decade. Jottings from a Merchant's Daybook. New York: Thomas Nelson & Sons, (1960). Octavo, original black and orange paper boards, original dust jacket. $750.

First edition of this guide to running a successful business for budding entrepreneurs, signed by the founder of one of America's most popular department stores, J.C. Penney.

J.C. Penney was one of the most successful department store founders of the 20th century. While the chain went into Chapter 11 in 2020, it nevertheless survived with an expansive chain of over 600 stores located all over the United States. Penney was a down-to-earth Midwesterner who believed that a positive outlook and Christian values were key to his success. While he wrote several autobiographies about his accomplishments, Penney abandoned a purely autobiographical perspective in View from the Ninth Decade and instead presents a handbook for young entrepreneurs hoping to imitate his success. Full of accessible wisdom informed by Penney's life experience, View from the Ninth Decade remains a useful book for any business owner hoping to have a happy life bolstered by financial comfort. Only occasional pencil underlining. Trace of sticker residue over price on dust jacket flap.

Book very nearly fine, dust jacket with only light wear to extremities. A near-fine signed copy.