Top-Ranked Rockefeller Book at Center of Publishing Mystery

Mystery Surrounds Top-Selling Amazon Book Attributed to John D. Rockefeller

The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to his son: Perspective, Ideology and Wisdom

CNBC began raising questions last month about the authenticity of "The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to his son: Perspective, Ideology and Wisdom," a purported collection of letters by John D. Rockefeller Sr. sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other sites.

Raising Questions about Publishing and Wealth-Help Books

The book is ranked No. 22 on Amazon’s list of best-selling economic history books, yet it’s filled with factual errors and the letters often bear little resemblance to Rockefeller’s other writings, CNBC previously reported.

Rockefeller Archive Center Investigation

The Rockefeller Archive Center, whose mission includes preserving and cataloguing Rockefeller family history for philanthropy, said it was unable to find any letters from John D. Rockefeller Sr. or to John D. Rockefeller Jr. that match those in the book. It also cited major factual errors in book, including an incorrect year for John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s graduation from Brown as well as a supposed 1902 letter that mentioned Citibank, which wasn’t created until 1976.

OpenStax Publisher Investigation

Now caught in the confusion is OpenStax, the nonprofit publisher of open educational resources at Rice University, which is listed as the book’s publisher in some printings.

Basic Questions Remain Unanswered

Basic questions about the book remain unanswered: Who is the actual writer? How did it go unchallenged by so many readers for so long? Who’s profiting?

The Enduring Fascination with John D. Rockefeller

Its popularity also highlights the enduring fascination with John D. Rockefeller, America’s first billionaire, and the vaunted Rockefeller family. Now in its seventh generation, with its wealth outshined by newer fortunes, the Rockefeller family name still holds almost mythical status around the world.

Conclusion

The mystery surrounding "The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to his son" raises important questions about publishing and the surge in wealth-help books. The authenticity of the book is questionable, and its popularity highlights the enduring fascination with John D. Rockefeller and the Rockefeller family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the actual writer of "The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to his son"?
A: The actual writer of the book is unknown.

Q: How did the book go unchallenged by so many readers for so long?
A: The book’s factual errors and inconsistencies were not immediately noticed by readers.

Q: Who’s profiting from the book?
A: The exact individuals or organizations profiting from the book are unknown.

Q: Is Amazon responsible for the book’s publication?
A: Amazon declined to comment on the book or its authenticity.

Q: Is the book’s publisher, OpenStax, aware of the book’s authenticity?
A: OpenStax said it was not aware of the book until it was contacted by CNBC.