Philantropy

A historical and contemporary discussion of the enterprise of philanthropy from eminent writer and journalist Paul Vallely. Philanthropy History and Purpose provides an entirely original new history of philanthropy whilst placing renewed emphasis on the nature and purpose of philanthropy today. Containing extended interviews with Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Richard Branson and Bono, bestselling author Paul Vallely digs down to the roots of philanthropic enterprise. Philanthropy includes chapters based on interviews with serious contemporary thinkers on the subject such as Jonathan Sacks, Rowan Williams, John Gray and Trevor Pears. Why do the rich give? Is philanthropy a public service? Vallely addresses issues such as anonymity and recognition, personal satisfaction and public benefit and the myths about philanthropy and philanthropists' children. Philanthropy returns to its origins in the Greeks Socrates and Euthyphro but is basically thematic. Chapters include: what is philanthropy?, religion and philanthropy, philanthropy and social security, philanthropy and self interest, philanthropy and the state and the private sector, philanthropy and globalization. The book ends with a resounding chapter on New Directions in Philanthropy where the author pulls together the most important insights in the course of his research into the major philanthropists of today.