The National Dialogue on Entrepreneurship just came out with its list of best entrepreneurship books published during 2004. Here are a few of the books on the NDE’s reading list, along with a quote of what they say about each book:

The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki.
“It is a fun read and full of useful and interesting tidbits for those starting a new business or a new organization.” I wrote a little about the book here, and plan to do a full review of the book soon. This is an excellent book for any startup entrepreneur.

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They Made America by Harold Evans. “This work is something of a coffee table book about entrepreneurship, chock full of interesting illustrated portraits of fascinating entrepreneurs and innovators like Thomas Edison, George Doriot (a venture capital pioneer), and Ida Rosenthal (inventor of the Maidenform bra).” This one looks like an engrossing read.

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I Can’t Believe I Get Paid to Do This by Stacey Mayo.
“If you feel stuck in a rut and are ready to try something different, this book will be right on target for you.” Anyone who loves their work knows the feeling that this title conveys — it’s a feeling that you simply can’t wait to get back to work.

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Innovation and Its Discontents by Lerner and Jaffe. “As intellectual capital becomes the key ingredient in wealth creation and competitiveness, an effective patent and intellectual property system assumes greater importance as a generator and protector of such wealth. Unfortunately, Lerner and Jaffe find that America’s patent system is not effectively serving such purposes.”

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An Empire of Wealth by John Steele Gordon. “An Empire of Wealth offers a popular and easy-to-read history of America’s economic growth.” They say that history is the greatest teacher — there is much to be learned from other people’s successes and failures.

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Just in time for holiday gift giving — buy one for your favorite small business person!

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