Book review: Kathleen D. McCarthy, american creed: Philanthropy and the rise of civil society 1700-1865, the university of chicago press, chicago and london, 2003 …

This review examines Kathleen D. McCarthy's historical analysis of philanthropy's role in fostering early American civil society between 1700 and 1865. It traces how elite charitable initiatives helped shape public institutions—from libraries and hospitals to educational centers—and nurtured communal bonds beyond familial or religious ties. The author highlights tensions between private generosity and civic responsibility, arguing that voluntary giving laid the groundwork for participatory democracy. Through rich archival examples, the review underscores philanthropy's dual capacity to empower communities while reinforcing social hierarchies, inviting readers to reassess assumptions about voluntary associations in nation-building.