Orison Swett Marden (1850โ1924) was a preeminent figure in the world of self-help literature at the turn of the 20th century. Born in Thornton Gore, New Hampshire, he overcame early adversity to become a prolific writer, could motivational speaker, and founder of 'Success Magazine'. Marden's own life story embodied the classic American rags-to-riches tale, which informed much of his writing and philosophies. His literary contributions include a series of books that aimed to inspire personal and professional growth, among which 'Every Man A King' stands out as a seminal work emphasizing the power of personal will and positive thinking to achieve leadership and self-mastery. Marden's writings encapsulate the can-do spirit of his era and continue to influence the self-improvement genre. His prose is characteristically straightforward and imbued with uplifting stories to illustrate his points, a style that resonated with readers seeking guidance and inspiration during that period of rapid social and economic change. Marden's work predates, yet sets a foundation for, the teachings of more contemporary authors in the field of self-help, such as Napoleon Hill and Dale Carnegie. He is remembered not just as a pioneer of motivational literature but also as a beacon of perseverance and the embodiment of the self-made individual.