You're currently viewing:

Book reviews


Just Giving: Why philanthropy is failing democracy and how it can do better

1 Eva Rehse 5 March 2019

Reviewed by Eva Rehse, Global Greengrants Fund, Europe The latest book by Rob Reich, co-director of the Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, is the most recent in a series of examinations on the …

Rich Russians: From oligarchs to bourgeoisie

1 Maria Chertok 5 March 2019

Reviewed by Maria Chertok, CAF Russia This unique book is the result of over a decade of research into the phenomenon of the Russian new rich, including dozens of interviews with members of what Schimpfössl …

The Givers: Wealth, power and philanthropy in a new gilded age

Ingrid Srinath 4 December 2018

Reviewed by Ingrid Srinath, Ashoka University, India What are the consequences of surging philanthropic resources and ambition when public spending is falling and disillusion with democracy is growing? It’s interesting to contrast the US perspective …

Winners Take All: The elite charade of changing the world

Eva Rehse 4 December 2018

Reviewed by Eva Rehse, Global Greengrants Fund, Europe ‘The master’s tools,’ Audre Lorde famously wrote, ‘will never dismantle the master’s house.’ Anand Giridharadas’ new book is a reflection on what this means for the change-makers …

‘A Better World is Possible: The Gatsby Charitable Foundation and social progress’ by Georgina Ferry

Paul Ramsbottom 4 September 2018

Reviewed by Paul Ramsbottom It remains relatively rare for histories of foundations to be written. This is a shame. When (as with this book) they are well told, they tend to be colourful stories that …

‘Money Well Spent: A strategic plan for smart philanthropy’ second edition by Paul Brest and Hal Harvey

Michael Alberg-Seberich 4 September 2018

Reviewed by Michael Alberg-Seberich How do you review the second edition of a book that has become a standard on many foundation managers’ and philanthropists’ desks? The first edition of Money Well Spent was published …

‘How Great Philanthropists Failed and You Can Succeed at Protecting Your Legacy’ by Martin Morse Wooster

Michael Alberg-Seberich 29 May 2018

Reviewed by Michael Alberg-Seberich This is the fourth edition of a book that in the past had the title The Great Philanthropists and the Problem of ‘Donor Intent’. No doubt, donor intent is a crucial …

‘The ImpactAssets Handbook for Investors: Generating social and environmental value through capital investing’ Edited by Jed Emerson

Philo Alto 29 May 2018

Reviewed by Philo Alto Jed Emerson’s third book provides both a practitioner’s toolkit to impact investing and builds a compelling case for why investors should align their capital with their values and purpose for the …

‘Philanthropy in Practice – Pragmatism and the impact of philanthropic action’ by Ekkehard Thümler

Michael Alberg-Seberich 6 March 2018

Reviewed by Michael Alberg-Seberich This book is like a Matterhorn expedition in the world of philanthropy. As in mountaineering, you need to be prepared for a steep ascent when the author, German scholar, Ekkehard Thümler, …

‘The Philanthropic Mind’ by Chuck English and Mo Lidsky – Reviewed by Michael Alberg-Seberich

Michael Alberg-Seberich 5 December 2017

This book is an express introduction to private philanthropy in Canada – a country that, so far, has not been on the radar in most works on private giving. Fundraising and marketing adviser Chuck English …