ALA Booklist (Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 1998)

This well-written entry in the Profiles series gives the goods--and sometimes dishes the dirt--on nine of the world's most well known benefactors of humanity. Individuals such as Alfred Nobel, Andrew Carnegie, and Will Kellogg gave the public some of its most prestigious awards and welcome opportunities. Accompanied by ample photographs, the biographies are easy to read and are full of interesting background information and facts, such as how George Eastman came up with the name Kodak and how Kellogg revolutionized breakfast with the invention of cornflakes. However, not all those profiled here acted out of love for humanity, and some were less than likable characters. Cecil Rhodes, a supporter of British world domination and an early proponent of what became known as apartheid, probably would not have qualified for the prestigious scholarship that bears his name; John and Catherine MacArthur created their generous and humanistic foundation only when faced with huge tax penalties. But learning how these individuals came to their wealth, and how they decided to disburse it, is fascinating, as is the history of the prizes and awards that bear their names today. Bibliography. (Reviewed February 15, 1998)

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8--All nine philanthropists featured here have more than their good works in common. Traub explores their early lives and the failures and false starts they experienced before their fortunes were made by such means as oil, steel, photography, or cornflakes. The emphasis of each entry is on the philanthropic gestures and goals of men and women like John and Catherine MacArthur and Cecil Rhodes. Enough information is offered, however, to give readers a sense of their journeys to the point where they could give millions away both during their lifetimes and after their deaths. The subjects had different philosophies about how to use personal wealth for the betterment of humanity, and the book goes into detail about their various gifts. Black-and-white photos of the philanthropists and their families, and even some of the outcomes of their bestowals, are included. A lengthy bibliography, complete with annual reports, and a thorough index are appended, as is a list of the 25 largest U.S. foundations. A good source for information about the philanthropic habits of these individuals that may whet the appetite for further reading.--Carol Fazioli, Cardinal Hayes Library, Manhattan College, NY

Horn Book (Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 1997)

Profiles of nine prominent eighteenth- and nineteenth-century American philanthropists include Alfred Nobel and John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur. Belief in an obligation to share their wealth for the general good forms the common thread in the bios, which include information on the individuals' backgrounds, how they amassed their fortunes, and their legacies. Dark black-and-white photos appear throughout a readable but rather dull-looking volume. Bib., ind.