Charity, Philanthropy, and Civility in American History

"This book presents professional historians addressing the dominant issues and theories offered to explain the history of American philanthropy and its role in American society. The essays develop and enlighten the major themes proposed by the book's editors, often taking issue with each other in the process. The overarching premise is that philanthropic activity in American has its roots in the desires of individuals to impose their visions, ideals, or conceptions of truth upon their society. To do so, they have organized in groups, frequently defining themselves and their group's role in society in the process."--BOOK JACKET