The Billionaire Who Wasn't

“Chuck Feeney is a remarkable role model, and the ultimate example of giving while living.” (Bill Gates)

This bestselling book tells the inspiring life story of Chuck Feeney, known as the “James Bond of philanthropy.” Feeney made a fortune as founder of Duty Free Shoppers, the world’s largest duty-free retail chain. By 1988, he was hailed by Forbes magazine as the twenty-third richest American alive. But secretly Feeney had already transferred all his wealth to his foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies, and anonymously funded hospitals and universities from San Francisco to Limerick to New York to Brisbane, becoming one of the greatest and most mysterious American philanthropists of modern times. His example convinced Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to pledge to give away their fortunes during their lifetimes.

This authorized biography by Conor O’Clery is now updated to include the final chapter of Feeney’s life, addressing the challenges associated with giving away his last billion. It also takes stock of the Giving Pledge and how other billionaires have-and have not-lived up to its lofty promise.

Author Biography

Conor O’Clery is an award-winning journalist and author who served as foreign correspondent for The Irish Times in London, Moscow, Beijing, Washington, and New York. He has written books on Russian, Irish, and American politics, including Moscow, December 25, 1991. He lives in Dublin, Ireland.