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  • The Billionaire Who Wasn't

  • How Chuck Feeney Made and Gave Away a Fortune
  • By: Conor O'Clery
  • Narrated by: Erik Synnestvedt
  • Length: 16 hrs
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (62 ratings)
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The Billionaire Who Wasn't cover art

The Billionaire Who Wasn't

By: Conor O'Clery
Narrated by: Erik Synnestvedt
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Summary

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

Critic reviews

"A smart business book detailing some vicissitudes of retailing, wrapped in a vivid biography of an engaging tycoon." ( Kirkus Reviews)

What listeners say about The Billionaire Who Wasn't

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You need to know about Chuck - The Anonymous Donor

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

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Life changing book

Unbelievable story of how a single man can change the world, He changed my life, our lives, and I never knew who he was, or “who wasn t”

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Fascinating story

I loved every minute of listening to the story of this wonderful and unusual human being.The story motivates you as an entrepreneur to do whatever it takes to attain your goals in business. You also learn how to be a better and decent human being after achieving that success you worked so had for . May God bless Chuck Feeney’s soul

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Chuck Feeney , thank you from Ireland

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

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A brilliant human being.

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.

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A must read for anyone with Irish interests

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

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Am inspiring adventure

An inspiring adventure. This is a great example of the powerful seeds sewn in childhood that culture values. A mix of characters in one from ambitious adventurer with modest needs and huge visions. Powerful x

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Amazing life

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

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decent story but exhausting

way way way too long and I mean way. I found myself wishing away the latter part of the book.
inspirational story, poorly told.

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The most inspiring story, on one single human.

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..

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