A Gift of Freedom

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.

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