Defoe, Daniel - The Complete English Tradesman, 1726 (ESTC T71960)

The Complete English Tradesman, in Familiar Letters; Directing him in all the several Parts and Progressions of Trade. viz. I. His acquainting himself with Business during his Apprenticeship. II. His writing to his Correspondents, and obtaining a general Knowledge of Trade; as well what he is not, as what he is employ'd in. III. Of Diligence and Application, as the Life of all Business. IV. Cautions against Over-Trading. V. Of the ordinary Occasions of a Tradesman's Ruin; such as Expensive Living—Too early Marrying—Innocent Diversions—Giving and taking too much Credit—Leaving Business to Servants—Being above Business—Entering into dangerous Partnerships, &c. VI. Directions in the several Distresses of a Tradesman, when he comes to fail. VII. Of Tradesmen Compounding with their Debtors, and why they are so particularly severe. VIII. Of Tradesmen ruining one another by Rumour and Scandal. IX. Of the customary Frauds of Trade, which even honest Men allow themselves to practise. X. Of Credit, and how it is only supported by Honesty. XI. Directions for Book-keeping, punctual paying of Bills, and thereby maintaining Credit. XII. Of the Dignity and Honour of Trade in England, more than in other Countries; and how the Trading Families in England are mingled with the Nobility and Gentry, so as not to be separated or distinguished. Calculated for the Instruction of our Inland Tradesmen; and especially of Young Beginners