This is the first book to rigorously introduce Conrad Hilton, the man, his life and career. It highlights and celebrates his achievements and establishes his importance as a global business pioneer, international statesman and celebrity. It ranges over the key aspects of his business philosophy and working methods - each offering a lesson in business excellence- to a conclusion bringing the Hilton story up to date and showing how a global business empire was built solidly upon the foundations he laid.

The authors are the first to conduct extensive research on his business and personal papers with unique access to the Hilton archive.

By allowing Hilton to speak for himself - from his speeches, letters and personal papers - readers will gain unique and powerful insights into the business habits and ways of being that make for true business success. The lessons we draw from his example are timeless and of contemporary relevance:

* The fascinating story of the man who bought the Waldorf-Astoria, founded a global empire, married the glamorous Zsa Zsa Gabor and saw his son marry Elizabeth Taylor;
* Draws out timeless business lessons from one of the pioneers of the global economic era. His sensitivity to local cultures, languages and histories was exemplary while capturing economies of scale and scope more thoroughly than his competitors: he Hthought global and acted local well before anyone had conceived the idea: and he wrote about it elegantly and profoundly;
* Hilton was a prophet in his own times - the author of prayers and speeches that set him apart from ordinary businessmen and made him the companion and trusted friend of US Presidents and national leaders around the world;
* Hilton created a business model that others have tried to emulate in recent decades: global reach and market segmentation by brand; each brand speaking value for money within its price bracket - Accor being a classic example of a follower organization.

This a book for all those in business and interested in its development and history, especially those in the business of hotels and hospitality. Equally it designed for everyone who wants to understand and learn from the life of an innovative and iconic American business giant. Students of business, and in particular Hospitality and Tourism, will find this one of the greatest and richest case studies about the principles and practices that have come to define their industry.