A Gift of Freedom

by Miller, John J.

• ISBN13: 9781594031175
• ISBN10: 1594031177
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-10-18
• Publisher: Encounter Books

Summary

Using exclusive access to the John M Olin Foundation's leading personalities as well as its extensive archives, John J Miller tells the story of an intriguing man and his unique philanthropic vision. Miller makes the case that the Olin Foundation, perhaps more than any other single institution, was responsible for building the conservative movement that culminated in the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and George W Bush. He gives fascinating insights into the Olin Foundation's role in helping the CIA fund anti-Communist organisations during the Cold War and its extensive help to Irving Kristol and others as they moved from left to right to found the neo-conservative movement. But the main story involves the foundation's vital role in shaping elite opinion and helping conservative ideas become national policies. 'A Gift of Freedom' shows how John M Olin's 'venture philanthropy' helped build a movement that has become a leading force in American politics and culture.

Author Biography

John J. Miller is a writer for National Review, and contributing editor of Philanthropy.

Table of Contents

Introduction ``Recover the Fundamentals''	1	(9)
A Man and His Fortune	9	(14)
The Freedom Persuasion	23	(20)
Simon Says	43	(18)
``Economics to Lawyers?''	61	(22)
Legal Eagles	83	(20)
A New Beginning	103	(32)
American Minds	135	(30)
History Clash	165	(20)
``Perpetuity Is a Very Long Time''	185	(18)
Conclusion: The Right Ideas	203	(6)
Appendix: Financial Summary of the John M. Olin Foundation, 1982--2005	209	(2)
Acknowledgments	211	(4)
Sources	215	(10)
Index	225