Flying Scots: In Search of a Dream Summary and Analysis

This non-fiction historical biography, published in 2007, occurs from 1835 through August 11, 1919, when Carnegie dies peacefully in his sleep. The American Dream is a belief that people can rise above humble beginnings by hard work, honesty and thrift to become rich, powerful and influential.

The "American dream" characterizes America. The concept refers to the continuing belief that people can rise above humble beginnings by hard work, honesty and thrift to reach a position of power and influence in America. Independence from Britain one hundred fifty years ago transforms this idea into a workable tradition. Tens of millions immigrate from the Old to the New World to embed the dream into an image of America far stronger than the success of a few like the Guggenheims and Vanderbilts. The dream is not...