If you only had to read one book this year, I would highly recommend you'd choose Charles Handy "The New Philanthropists" . Not only because the compilation of portraits chosen amongst today's most generous philanthropists makes most inspiring and uplifting reading, but in addition I certainly learned a thing or two about why these entrepreneurs became so successful that they can now afford to devote part (or in some cases, the bulk) of their fortune to philanthropical activities.
Written in an entertaining manner, each of the philanthropists' portrayal by Handy is accompanied by a most artistic portrait of each subject shot by Handy's wife, talented photographer Elizabeth Handy.
I would suggest that if you're at a loss to choose a birthday present for anyone you know, this book will prove a most welcome gift. Indeed, The New Philanthropists is bound to leave anyone who reads it with a feeling of optimism about our collective future. This book needed to be written, if only to counteract the dire picture the majority of media paint of the world. I am extremely grateful to Charles Handy for this most enlightening work. I think you will be too if you decide to buy this most excellent book.