''This is the definitive book on philanthropy - its history, contradictions and future'' - John Gray, Emeritus Professor of European Thought, London School of Economics''Good books lay out the lie of the land. Important books change it. This book is both'' - Giles Fraser, priest, journalist and broadcasterThe super-rich are silently and secretly shaping our world. In this groundbreaking exploration of historical and contemporary philanthropy, bestselling author Paul Vallelyreveals how this far-reaching change came about. Vivid with anecdote and scholarly insight, this magisterial survey - from the ancient Greeks to today-s high-tech geeks - provides an original take on the history of philanthropy. It shows how giving has, variously, been a matter of honour, altruism, religious injunction, political control, moral activism, enlightened self-interest, public good, personal fulfilment and plutocratic manipulation.Its narrative moves from the Greek man of
