Dale Breckenridge Carnegie (November 24, 1888 November 1, 1955) was an American writer and lecturer and the developer of famous courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking and interpersonal skills. Born in poverty on a farm in Missouri, he was the author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, first published in 1936, a massive bestseller that remains popular today. He has written several other books as well which are still popular and relevant to all generations and age groups.