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The Billionaire Who Wasn't

How Chuck Feeney Made and Gave Away a Fortune

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The Billionaire Who Wasn't

By: Conor O'Clery
Narrated by: Erik Synnestvedt
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About this listen

 In 1988 Forbes magazine hailed Chuck Feeney as the 23rd richest American alive. No one knew until then that he was extremely wealthy. Or was he?

Born during the Depression in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Feeney had made a fortune as co-founder of Duty Free Shoppers, the world's largest duty-free retail chain. How he did it is one of the great untold retail stories of modern times.

The greater untold story is that Feeney had in fact given away his fortune, in its totality, to endow Atlantic Philanthropies - one of the most generous and secretive philanthropic funds in the world. Atlantic Philanthropies is committed to giving away all its assets - currently they stand at $4 billion - during the next decade, an unprecedented example of the "giving while living" philosophy. Through the achievements of Atlantic Philanthropies, Chuck Feeney's influence has become even more impressive than his wealth.

Feeney is a frugal man who travels economy class and does not own a house or a car. He has largely kept out of the public eye - until now. He has revealed his secret life only because he hopes his story will encourage something in which he passionately believes: that rich individuals have a moral obligation to put their wealth to good use while they are alive.

©2013 Conor O'Clery (P)2013 Gildan Media, LLC Business Business Development & Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship Philanthropy & Charity Professionals & Academics Social Sciences Money China Imperial Japan United Kingdom

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Critic reviews

"A smart business book detailing some vicissitudes of retailing, wrapped in a vivid biography of an engaging tycoon." ( Kirkus Reviews)
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This incredible human being has left a legacy that is simply incredible - you will be in awe of his life, his work & his lifelong giving to improve the world through philanthropy - Thank you Chuck for allowing this book to be written and from moving on from being the anonymous donor to the man who talked the talk and walked the walk - #givingwhileliving

You need to know about Chuck - The Anonymous Donor

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What a fabulous book. Perhaps should be a compulsory read for students and adults alike to inspire and set a modern day template for good living and therefore happiness in our communities, countries and world.

A brilliant human being.

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A fascinating story. Book could have brought it to life a bit more but nonetheless worth your time.

Amazing life

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A must-read for anyone with Irish interests well put together and I could not believe I had never heard of Chuck Feeney he has done so much for modern Ireland there should be march 18 Saint Chuck day

A must read for anyone with Irish interests

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On the face of it a story of a paradoxical man who grew up poor, enlisted, then university and travelled. He made millions from Duty Free and investments and then decided to give it all away to make other people's lives much better. It reads like a novel rather than a biographer and is fascinating. Has it changed by views? No but it has strengthened by determination in all parts oft life. Chuck Feeney achieved success at whatever he focussed on and [relatively] quickly. Great read and well narrated.
L

Well worth a listen by anyone

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Chuck represents the counter culture of today, in a world driven by money and greed he is an example that big business can help the greater good

must listen, then listen again

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Brilliant and so different, in my top 10 books.
great story and life of a genius, but also sad to see money ruin relationships

Brilliant and so different, in my top 10

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inspiring story, told in a clear and enticing way!
"wealth doesn't change you, but merely exposes who you really are.."

marvellous

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Chuck Feeney is a legend that the world will be forever indebted for! Third time picking this book up, and won't be the last! He's a ideal for all to look up too. His innovation, his drive, his life is a legacy..

The most inspiring story, on one single human.

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Never knew of Chuck Feeney before listening to this book, but wow what a man Chuck Feeney is. Remarkable

Chuck Feeney , thank you from Ireland

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