Notable American Philanthropists: Biographies of Giving and Volunteering - Hardcover

Grimm, Robert T.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1573563404 ISBN 13: 9781573563406

Publisher: Greenwood, 2002

Synopsis

This book provides substantial profiles of individuals and families who made significant contributions to the American philanthropic tradition from the 1600s to the present. The volume encompasses men and women who significantly shaped American life by their dedication to voluntary service or charitable donations. The 78 entries describe 110 individuals (a number of essays describe entire families, such as the Rockefellers, Booths, and Guggenheims). Most essays are 1,500-2,500 words in length, but family entries range from 2,500-9,000 words. Each essay examines a philanthropist's early years, education, and career, and then focuses upon his or her philanthropic philosophy and actions. Particular attention is paid to an individual's motivations and justifications for philanthropy.

Short samples of each philanthropist's writings are included, and the important societal contributions of each individual's philanthropic activity are assessed. All entries are cross-referenced and include a bibliographic list of references (print and nonprint sources). Many feature photos, and some describe the location of personal papers and other manuscript sources. This book also includes a preface, introduction, timeline, and lists of videos and children's books on American philanthropy. Sixty scholars contributed to this volume, each of who is notable for work on certain individuals or in the broad field of American philanthropy. These contributors did a great deal of original research, making this book the only source for detailed information on many of the included individuals.

About this title

About the Author

ROBERT T. GRIMM JR. teaches Philanthropic Studies and History and directs the American Philanthropists Project at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. In addition to currently serving as a regular columnist for Foundation News & Commentary, he has been an Earhart Fellow and published numerous works on American philanthropy and nonprofits.

Reviews

Many people believe philanthropy is a practice limited to the wealthy and powerful. But this collection of 78 profiles that describe 110 individuals and in some cases families reveals that some people of modest means have helped shape American life through voluntary service or charitable donations. Although most readers will have heard of the Rockefellers or the Guggenheims, or are aware of Jane Addams' work in the early 1900s at Hull House in Chicago, fewer might be familiar with Oseola McCarty, a laundress who gave $150,000 to the University of Southern Mississippi in 1995, or Rebecca Gratz, who established the first independent Jewish women's charitable association in 1819. Among other names that appear here are Clara Barton, Andrew Carnegie, Cesar Chavez, and Bill Gates. One entry describes the strong commitment of the Lakota nation to giving and sharing. There is little awareness of American Indian philanthropy, and yet it is one of America's oldest philanthropic traditions.

The entries, varying from 1,500 to 2,500 words in length for individuals and 2,500 to 9,000 for families, examine early life and education, career, philosophy, motivations, and actions. Some short examples of a person's writings may be included, and the contributions to society are evaluated. The entries conclude with compact bibliographies and are cross-referenced. The appendixes include "Timeline of American Philanthropy" (from the 1600s to 1999), a list of videos and a list of children's books about some of the people who are profiled, and an index that interfiles personal or family names, organizations, and subjects.

This volume complements other information on the more famous persons and also introduces readers to some forgotten or lesser-known persons. It is recommended for large public and academic libraries.

RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Greenwood
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1573563404
• ISBN 13: 9781573563406
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 328