This book is perhaps the best textbook on
social engineering/
diplomacy available. The ideas in it aren't complex, and aren't derived from some
psychological study -- it's simply
what works. It is manipulative, but yet strongly recommends that you be sincere, and that you
put yourself in the other person's shoes. It's not directly manipulative in it's tactics, though -- why flatter someone falsely when you can praise them truthfully, avoiding any possible backlash.
The book itself is written in a conversational style, using examples and ancedotes to get the point across, almost koan-style. There is a touchstone phrase at the end of each chapter.
Applying these ideas takes effort, though. That's the point of the class -- apply the ideas in How to Win Friends and Influence People, the ideas in How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, and the ideas in The Quick and Easy Way To Effective Speaking.
I read the book in the summer of 1999 to help improve my fraternity's rush efforts in the fall.
I am graduated now, and working at a company where it is mandatory to take Dale Carnegie Training.