The Wisdom of Generosity: A Reader in American Philanthropy Format: Paperback

William Jackson bestows a rich collection that presents the depth of American generosity. Drawing upon an abundant variety of genres--myths, proverbs, poems, letters, short stories, news stories, folktales, sermons, and essays--this interesting and useful collection documents the religious dimensions of American philanthropy. The Wisdom of Generosity not only chronicles the manifestations of philanthropy but also reveals philanthropy's integral connection with American history and how Americans are still striving to fulfill their original promises. This Reader offers classic yet fresh resources for reflecting on the heritage of American giving.

William Jackson (Ph.D. Harvard University) is Professor of Religious Studies at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis and Lake Scholar at the Lake Family Institute on Faith and Giving. He is the author of 11 books, including, most recently Worldviews Kaleidoscope (2007), Vijayanagara Visions: Religious Experience and Cultural Creativity in a South Indian Empire (2007), and Heaven's Fractal Net: Retrieving Lost Visions in the Humanities (2004).