American Creed
Philanthropy and the Rise of Civil Society, 1700-1865
Published on 1. July 2005
Book
Paperback/Softback
330 pages
978-0-226-56201-8 (ISBN)
Description
In her incisive history, Kathleen D. McCarthy explores the impact of philanthropy - both giving and volunteerism - on America from 1700 to 1865. What results is a vital reevaluation of public life during the pivotal decades leading up to the Civil War. By investigating the relationships among the market revolution, participatory democracy, and voluntary associations, McCarthy reveals how these elements interacted to change our government - and the course of history. She considers how acts of volunteerism and charity became involved with key social interests such as the abolitionist movement, educational patronage, the struggle against racism, and female campaigns for equality. Ultimately, she uncovers the pivotal role of philanthropy in the story of America's continuous attempt to fulfill our founding ideals.
Reviews / Votes
"A tour de force.... [Modern philanthropists] should all read American Creed to be reminded of the traditional impulses and motives that inspired earlier American philanthropists, large and small, to use their money aggressively in the creation and defense of social justice." - Mark Dowie, Los Angeles Times; "While her riveting history of civil society from the founding to the Civil War focuses on philanthropy and religion, it is laced with keen insights into the place of civil disorder, repression, chivalry, and feminism in the American social order. This is history at its best. A work that is truly pertinent to our times." - Benjamin Barber"More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Chicago
United States
Publishing group
The University of Chicago Press
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 23 mm
Width: 16 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight
510 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-226-56201-8 (9780226562018)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
04/2011
1st Edition
University of Chicago Press
€54.09
Available for download
Person
Kathleen D. McCarthy is professor of history and director of the Center for the Study of Philanthropy at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. She is the author or editor of five other books, including Women's Culture: American Philanthropy and Art, 1830-1930, published by the University of Chicago Press, and Women, Philanthropy, and Civil Society.