The Greatest Salesman in the World

February 1, 1988
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.

The power of storytelling and ancient fables makes The Greatest Salesman in the World a classic for all intrigued by the world of business. It is the two-thousand-year-old tale of Hafid, an impoverished camel boy who achieves a life of material abundance with the aid of 10 mystical scrolls. Og Mandino's performance is even more poignant after hearing his introduction, in which this mild-voiced, world-famous motivational expert tells the tale of his own accomplishments through hard work and perseverance, subtly paralleling his life with Hafid's. Many books claim to teach the secrets of success. Both practically and metaphorically, The Greatest Salesman in the World achieves this goal. R.A.P. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine