The Mysterious Case of John D. Rockefeller’s Best-Selling (and Possibly Fake) Book
A top-selling Amazon book claiming to be a collection of letters from oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller Sr. to his son is raising eyebrows, and not just for its questionable content. “The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to his son: Perspective, Ideology and Wisdom” has achieved surprising popularity despite containing numerous factual inaccuracies and language inconsistent with Rockefeller’s known writings. This has sparked an investigation that now involves not only Amazon, but also a respected university publisher who denies any involvement in the book’s publication. The controversy sheds light on the lucrative world of self-help books, the enduring fascination with the Rockefeller legacy, and the potential for fraud in the online publishing market.
Key Takeaways:
- A best-selling Amazon book, “The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to his son,” is under scrutiny for its potential fabrication.
- The book contains numerous factual errors, anachronisms, and stylistic inconsistencies with Rockefeller’s known writings.
- OpenStax, a reputable university publisher, denies any involvement despite being listed as the publisher on some print versions.
- The book’s popularity highlights the enduring fascination with the Rockefeller name and the lucrative market for self-help literature focusing on wealth and success.
- The mystery surrounding the book’s authorship, publication, and distribution calls into question the integrity of the online book marketplace and its quality control.
The Rise and Questionable Authenticity of “The 38 Letters”
“The 38 Letters” currently ranks highly on Amazon’s best-selling economic history books list, a remarkable achievement considering the growing evidence suggesting its inauthenticity. CNBC’s initial report highlighted several glaring inconsistencies. These include incorrect dates, such as a misstated year for John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s graduation from Brown University, and references to entities like Citibank, which didn’t exist during the purported timeframe of the letters (one letter supposedly dated 1902 mentions Citibank, which was founded in 1976). The Rockefeller Archive Center, dedicated to preserving the Rockefeller family’s history, confirmed it could find no record of the letters in its extensive archives. They specifically stated: “The authenticity of the book ‘The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to his Son’ is questionable.”
Inconsistencies in Style and Content
Beyond the factual errors, the book’s writing style differs significantly from the known writing of John D. Rockefeller Sr. The letters in “The 38 Letters” employ modern vernacular and idioms that would be anachronistic in the time period they purportedly represent. Furthermore, the book portrays Rockefeller in a manner seemingly at odds with historical accounts. One letter contains the quote: “In my heart, I really reserved a place for greed. Greed is necessary!” This starkly contrasts with widely acknowledged philanthropic endeavors and complexities within Rockefeller’s character which most historical accounts note. The inclusion of such statements raises serious questions about the intent of the book’s creator(s). Another concerning excerpt: “The first and last chapter of the Book of Wisdom states that ‘there is no free lunch in the world.'” This phrase, while arguably true in a capitalist context, is not found in any known version of “The Book of Wisdom”.
OpenStax Denies Involvement, Amazon Remains Silent
Adding to the mystery, the book’s print versions list OpenStax, the non-profit publisher associated with Rice University, as the publisher. However, OpenStax swiftly denied any involvement, stating in a recent statement: **”We are not the publisher of this title. We are investigating the situation to protect our brand and ensure accurate information.”** This denial raises crucial questions about how OpenStax’s name came to be associated with the book, and who is ultimately responsible for its publication and distribution.
Amazon, the primary platform for the book’s sales, has been largely silent. While they issued a general statement to CNBC about their content guidelines, they have not directly addressed the authenticity of “The 38 Letters” or detailed the steps they’re taking to determine its legitimacy. Their statement only mentions: “We have content guidelines governing which books can be listed for sale. We invest significant time and resources to ensure our guidelines are followed.” This vagueness fuels further speculation about the platform’s oversight of potentially fraudulent publications.
The Enduring Allure of the Rockefeller Name and Wealth-Building Narratives
The book’s success, despite its questionable origins, points to a wider cultural phenomenon: the enduring fascination with the Rockefeller name and the narratives surrounding wealth creation. The Rockefeller family, even in the 21st century, maintains a nearly mythical status around the world. Rockefeller-owned assets—even decades after passing through the hands of the family—often command premium prices at auction. The 2018 Christie’s auction of Peggy and David Rockefeller’s collection serves as a stark reminder of this, fetching over $835 million.
This cultural capital translates into a ready market for purported advice or insights attributed to the family. The book’s quick climb to the top of several best-seller lists shows the existing demand for this kind of self-help and business manual. The ease with which this apparently fraudulent material was able to achieve bestseller status showcases both the demand and the vulnerability of the online marketplace.
Unanswered Questions and the Future of Online Publishing
The “38 Letters” saga leaves several crucial questions unanswered. Who is the true author or compiler, “G. Ng” and “M. Tan”? What mechanisms allowed a book with clear inconsistencies to not only be published but to achieve significant sales? And who is profiting from its sales? These questions need to be addressed decisively for the proper enforcement of standards in the online publishing market.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for fraud in the digital age and the need for increased vigilance by retailers, publishers, and readers. The book’s success underscores the importance of critical thinking and thorough fact-checking before taking self-help narratives at face value. The ease with which such a book could achieve such success demonstrates significant oversight in the current system regarding publishing guidelines and content verification. Moving forward, the industry as a whole needs to re-evaluate its policies to protect consumers and build trust in the marketplace.