Book reviews

 

Civil Society

Civil Society, Philanthropy, and the Fate of the Commons

Charles Erkelens
1 September 2010
Alliance magazine

Bruce Sievers has written a very readable and interesting book on the concept of civil society, its history, and the problems it faces today. Its strength lies in its compactness, enabling everybody who considers themselves part of civil society (which should be everybody!) to get a clear picture of what it is, where it came from and where it might be going.

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Change Philanthropy

Change Philanthropy: Candid stories of foundations maximizing results through social justice

Barry Knight
1 September 2010
Alliance magazine

Writing papers to change policies doesn’t work unless change is already happening − this is just one of scores of anecdotes from a book describing the real-life experiences of ten American foundations pursuing social justice.

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Global Philanthropy

Global Philanthropy

Diana Leat
1 September 2010
Alliance magazine

At almost 400 pages and with 27 chapters, each by a different author, Global Philanthropy is a remarkable editorial achievement – and all the more so considering that the authors are all ‘active philanthropic players’.

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Foundations for the Common Good

Foundations for the Common Good

1 June 2010
Alliance magazine

This is a new report by Mark Rosenman from Caring to Change. Based on extensive research, the report concludes that foundations should use the framework of the ‘common good’ to advance their work. Barry Knight supported the project, most notably by facilitating a retreat at Pocantico in February 2009, which reviewed and critiqued findings from the research.

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Small Change: Why business won’t save the world
Small Change

Small Change: Why business won’t save the world

Luc Tayart de Borms
1 June 2010
Alliance magazine

Michael Edwards strongly criticizes philanthrocapitalism and philanthrocapitalists. In his critique, he explores the myths and realities about this controversial, market-based approach. But in the end he raises as many questions as he attempts to answer. The very title of the book raises a question: ‘Who can save the world alone?’

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The Art of Giving: Where the soul meets a business plan by Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon

The Art of Giving: Where the soul meets a business plan by Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon

Steven Burkeman
1 March 2010
Alliance magazine

The basis of this book raises a fascinating issue, perhaps best encapsulated by its subtitle – ‘where the soul meets a business plan’. As an individual, I reserve the right to respond emotionally when I encounter immediate need. As a grantmaker in an institutional context, I have the opportunity to sit down and think, to research and analyse alongside others, and then to take a decision that, though it may be rooted in an emotional commitment, is tempered by this more rational process.

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The Aid Trap: Hard truths about ending poverty by R Glenn Hubbard and William Duggan

The Aid Trap: Hard truths about ending poverty by R Glenn Hubbard and William Duggan

Reuben Abraham
1 December 2009
Alliance magazine

Since the success of the Marshall Plan in reviving the economies of western Europe after the Second World War, it has been assumed that large-scale aid programmes will kickstart economic development in poor countries. For 40 years, aid was an important weapon of the Cold War, where allegiances could be bought and sold on the basis of aid packages. After the collapse of the Berlin Wall, the aid industry changed tack and used morality to market itself. Books like The End of Poverty by Jeffrey Sachs and the bully pulpits of rock stars hammered the message home.

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Non-Governmental Organisations and Development by David Lewis and Nazneen Kanji

Non-Governmental Organisations and Development by David Lewis and Nazneen Kanji

Richard Holloway
1 December 2009
Alliance magazine

If you are looking for a comprehensive book on the subject of NGOs, go no further. This book, it is true, covers ground that others have covered, usually in much more dense and arcane language, but it is without doubt a volume to have for reference purposes and which covers all aspects of this much-disputed field. It has very clear and to-the-point chapter headings and section headings, and provides bullets at the start of each chapter to make it clear what is covered there.

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Charity in Islamic Societies by Amy Singer

Charity in Islamic Societies by Amy Singer

Rana Zincir Celal
1 September 2009
Alliance magazine

Amy Singer draws on a vast array of sources, from 10th century jurist Abu Hamid Muhammad al-Ghazali to early 20th century Turkish political activist Halide Edip Adavar, in her rich overview of philanthropy in Islamic societies. The work unites religious texts and their meaning with a fascinating analysis of the role and impact of charity in Islamic societies, presenting charity as both religious ideal and social practice.

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Philanthropy In/Sight

Reinhard Skinner and Selim Iltus
1 September 2009
Alliance magazine

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