| Abstract |
"Funding philanthropy investigates Dr. Barnardo's work and philanthropic 'empire' as early manifestations of promotional and branding mechanisms in the mid- to late Victorian period, processes that would seem commonplace by the mid- to late twentieth century. Barnardo possessed a strategic sense of what would excite people's interest and pity, as well as a seemingly unfailing capacity to package and promote evangelical philanthropy on behalf of children, the nation and the Empire. The book thus explores Barnardo as a creative promoter and "showman," a savvy entrepreneur in an evangelical context that overtly mandated against privileging business principles generally, and the practice of direct appeal specifically. To manage the business of philanthropy, Barnard operated as narrator, orchestrator and showman, depending upon artfully constructed bodies, images and stories as imperatives for emotional engagement and collective participation. This work offers new knowledge to anyone interested in Victorian history, conceptualizing children, literary modes and marketing practices. The book also considers how Barnardo's conception of charity is closely aligned with principles of unconditional hospitality, precisely at a moment when the English were intent on centralizing philanthropy and on meting out support according to measures Barnardo regarded as punitive and unchristian. Part One explicates how institutional branding evolved according to the properties associated with the metaphor of the "open door;" Part 2 elucidates how narrative devices associated with the fiction raised both affect and funds; Part Three concentrates on how Barnardo exploited strategies associated with dramatic performance in public spectacles, despite his adamant strictures against the theater itself. Discussion burrows down to elucidate such events as highly ritualized Annual General Meetings, child picnics and ubiquitous "bazaars" and self-denial drives. Extensive research in Barnardo's vast archive of periodical publications for children, youth and adults and the wider public press underpins the discursive analysis."-- Provided by publisher. |
