Book excerpt: First published in 1905, this book charts the history of English philanthropy from the Elizabethan period through to the nineteenth century. In doing so, Benjamin Kirkman Gray posed some important questions about modern philanthropy, and reflected on the meaning and worth of philanthropy. Through historical study, the author discussed this complex question, which, in a time before the development of the British welfare state, was particularly topical. This book will be of interest to those studying the history of philanthropy, social welfare and poverty.