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...