Book Publicity News

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Philanthrocapitalism: How the Rich Can Save the World

Matthew Bishop and Michael Green have just published Philanthrocapitalism: How the Rich Can Save the World (Bloomsbury Press), the first detailed analysis of the current global boom in philanthropy that examines how today's leading philanthropists are revolutionizing the field, using new methods to have a vastly greater impact on the world.

It’s had a great launch. During an interview, President Bill Clinton recommended Philanthrocapitalism to the members of his Clinton Global Initiative, saying “it is about you.”

New York City’s mayor, Michael Bloomberg, calls it“a terrific book about how private money can help solve even the most difficult public problems. Philanthrocapitalism is the definitive guide to a new generation of philanthropists who understand innovation and risk-taking, and who will play a crucial part in solving the biggest problems facing the world.”

Of course, it may seem strange that a book extolling capitalism is hitting the bookshelves just as capitalism seems to be falling apart. But, to the contrary, these times make Philanthrocapitalism’s message all the more timely.

Why? First of all, the wealthy will be able to fare far better than most during this crisis and thus have the greatest opportunity to do the most good for others less fortunate. Second, as government budgets become tighter, there will be a greater need to philanthropy. Finally, philanthropic dollars will need to be used ever more efficiently, making philanthrocapitalism that much more necessary.

Matthew Bishop is American Business Editor and New York Bureau Chief for The Economist. He is also the author of Essential Economics, the official Economist layperson's guide to economics. He is a graduate of Oxford University.

Michael Green is economist by training. He taught at Warsaw University in Poland in the early 1990s under a Soros-funded program and worked as a freelance journalist. He is a senior civil servant at the Department for International Development, where he has managed British aid to Russia and Ukraine and run the communication department. Like Matthew, he is a graduate of the University of Oxford.

Take a look at Matthew’s and Mike’s website at www.philanthrocapitalism.net to learn more about the book and its authors.

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