Coming Soon...
J.L. Nichols, 1886
140th Anniversary Edition
To accompany John J. Snyder's book
Timeless Principles for Modern Challenges
The Business Guide; or, Safe Methods of Business, is being reprinted on the 140th anniversary of its initial publication. I first came across this book as a college student at a garage sale, and was so impressed by its simple but relevant wisdom. The book was written by James Lawrence (J. L.) Nichols, A.M. First published in 1886, it became one of the most successful business manuals of the late 19th century. It wasn’t just a book for established professionals; it was designed as a “legal adviser and guide to business success” for students, teachers, and everyday people. In an era before the internet or specialized software, this book acted as an all-in-one toolkit for navigating the complexities of Victorian-era commerce.
The true essence of Safe Methods of Business lies in the “19 safe principles,” which form the basis of how I have tried to live my life and the foundation on which Timeless Principles and Modern Challenges is written. In many ways, it’s uncanny how accurate and relevant the “19 principles” still are today. It is really hard to believe they were written 140 years ago. I especially like the idea that the “19 principles” are generally neither political nor religious, just human. Nor are they just about “business,” but have implications for how one lives the totality of their lives.
I would like to think that the finding of Safe Methods was more than the finding of a great book. But rather it was more the discovery of a kindred spirit, of whom I hope much the same that was said of James Lawrence Nichols could also be said of me. But just as his was a collaborative affair, so must our work together–you and me–be so as well.
This book is being reprinted to accompany a new and forthcoming book I have written entitled Timeless Principles for Modern Challenges (Santos Books, 2026) that builds upon Nichols’ “19 Principles.”
The Business Guide; or, Safe Methods of Business, is being reprinted on the 140th anniversary of its initial publication. I first came across this book as a college student at a garage sale, and was so impressed by its simple but relevant wisdom. The book was written by James Lawrence (J. L.) Nichols, A.M. First published in 1886, it became one of the most successful business manuals of the late 19th century. It wasn’t just a book for established professionals; it was designed as a “legal adviser and guide to business success” for students, teachers, and everyday people. In an era before the internet or specialized software, this book acted as an all-in-one toolkit for navigating the complexities of Victorian-era commerce.
The true essence of Safe Methods of Business lies in the “19 safe principles,” which form the basis of how I have tried to live my life and the foundation on which Timeless Principles and Modern Challenges is written. In many ways, it’s uncanny how accurate and relevant the “19 principles” still are today. It is really hard to believe they were written 140 years ago. I especially like the idea that the “19 principles” are generally neither political nor religious, just human. Nor are they just about “business,” but have implications for how one lives the totality of their lives.
I would like to think that the finding of Safe Methods was more than the finding of a great book. But rather it was more the discovery of a kindred spirit, of whom I hope much the same that was said of James Lawrence Nichols could also be said of me. But just as his was a collaborative affair, so must our work together–you and me–be so as well.
This book is being reprinted to accompany a new and forthcoming book I have written entitled Timeless Principles for Modern Challenges (Santos Books, 2026) that builds upon Nichols’ “19 Principles.”
John J. Snyder, 2026
This story begins in 1984 when I stumbled upon a 100-year-old book called Safe Methods of Business, or just Business Guide. I picked the book up at a garage sale in Washington, Pennsylvania. I was a junior at Washington and Jefferson College, majoring in sociology and taking business and economics courses. It occurred to me that few had thought to combine sociology and economics the way this author, J. L. Nichols, had done so. I quickly realized I had discovered a timeless classic containing powerful, wise, and thoughtful advice. Some for its time, but most for any time. Clearly, the author had dedicated his life to thinking deeply about what constitutes a successful person and which principles and steps might be helpful or necessary to get there.
A major difference between my book and that of James Lawrence (J.L.) Nichols, however, is that Nichols wrote 140 years ago. And while the principles have remained just as true, the social and cultural contexts and challenges are very different. This book will revisit the “Nineteen Principles” of business within the setting of today’s modern challenges. I have seen these principles applied to create great success for individuals. I have also seen resistance and rejection of the principles lead others to tragedy and misery. This book will bring these “Nineteen Principles” to life for you.
I promise that if you stay with me through these eight short chapters, you will not regret it. And even better, I guarantee that if you live by even one-half of these principles, your life will be transformed. Especially regarding how you live with your money.
This story begins in 1982 when I stumbled upon a 100-year-old book called Safe Methods of Business, or just Business Guide. I picked the book up at a garage sale in Washington, Pennsylvania. I was a junior at Washington and Jefferson College, majoring in sociology and taking business and economics courses. It occurred to me that few had thought to combine sociology and economics the way this author, J. L. Nichols, had done so. I quickly realized I had discovered a timeless classic containing powerful, wise, and thoughtful advice. Some for its time, but most for any time. Clearly, the author had dedicated his life to thinking deeply about what constitutes a successful person and which principles and steps might be helpful or necessary to get there.
A major difference between my book and that of James Lawrence (J.L.) Nichols, however, is that Nichols wrote 140 years ago. And while the principles have remained just as true, the social and cultural contexts and challenges are very different. This book will revisit the “Nineteen Principles” of business within the setting of today’s modern challenges. I have seen these principles applied to create great success for individuals. I have also seen resistance and rejection of the principles lead others to tragedy and misery. This book will bring these “Nineteen Principles” to life for you.
I promise that if you stay with me through these eight short chapters, you will not regret it. And even better, I guarantee that if you live by even one-half of these principles, your life will be transformed. Especially regarding how you live with your money.