Notable American Philanthropists: Biographies of Giving and Volunteering

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

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.

Reviews

"Notable American and Philanthropists usefully identifies great philanthropists and lists their most important gifts and good deeds."-Philanthropy
[T]his 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....This volume complements other information on some of the more famous persons and also introduces readers to some forgotten or lesser-known persons. IT is recommended for large public and academic libraries.-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
Highly recommended for academic and public libraries.-Gale Reference Reviews
Notable American and Philanthropists usefully identifies great philanthropists and lists their most important gifts and good deeds.-Philanthropy
This is a wonderful book. It profiles 79 individuals (or families) and one group of people, the Lakota, who made or are making major contributions to American society and to the world....This volume inspires, and it provides its readers with a grand sense of options. Few of us have the resources to donate billions of dollars, but as these 80 chapters reflect, all of us have something to give.-CharityChannel.com
"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....This volume complements other information on some of the more famous persons and also introduces readers to some forgotten or lesser-known persons. IT is recommended for large public and academic libraries."-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
"Highly recommended for academic and public libraries."-Gale Reference Reviews
"The first comprehensive collective biography of American philanthropists. Recommended. General readers and lower-division undergraduates."-Choice
"This is a wonderful book. It profiles 79 individuals (or families) and one group of people, the Lakota, who made or are making major contributions to American society and to the world....This volume inspires, and it provides its readers with a grand sense of options. Few of us have the resources to donate billions of dollars, but as these 80 chapters reflect, all of us have something to give."-CharityChannel.com
"[T]his 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....This volume complements other information on some of the more famous persons and also introduces readers to some forgotten or lesser-known persons. IT is recommended for large public and academic libraries."-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin

Author Bio

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.