The mystery surrounding a top-selling Amazon book attributed to John D. Rockefeller has expanded to involve a university publisher, which denies any connection to the book despite being listed as its publisher. CNBC recently raised doubts about the authenticity of “The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to his son: Perspective, Ideology and Wisdom,” a collection of letters by John D. Rockefeller Sr. being sold on various platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
The enigmatic origins of “The 38 Letters” raise concerns about publishing and the proliferation of wealth-help books. Despite being ranked No. 22 on Amazon’s list of best-selling economic history books, the book contains factual inaccuracies and the letters differ significantly from Rockefeller’s known writings.
The Rockefeller Archive Center, responsible for preserving Rockefeller family history, could not authenticate the letters in the book. They highlighted major errors, such as an incorrect graduation year for John D. Rockefeller Jr. and a reference to Citibank in a letter dated before the bank’s establishment.
OpenStax, a nonprofit publisher at Rice University, is listed as the book’s publisher in some editions but has denied involvement. They are investigating the situation to safeguard their reputation and ensure accuracy.
Questions persist about the book’s authorship, its widespread acceptance, and who stands to benefit from it. The enduring interest in John D. Rockefeller and the Rockefeller family, despite newer fortunes emerging, underscores their iconic status globally.
The Rockefeller name continues to command high prices for their possessions at auctions, reflecting the family’s enduring allure. The book “The 38 Letters” has gained popularity as a financial and parenting guide, receiving positive reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
Different versions of the book credit different individuals as the compiler, editor, and translator, but their identities remain unknown. Amazon and Barnes & Noble have not provided comments on the book’s authenticity. Authentic books based on John D. Rockefeller Sr.’s letters exist, such as “Dear Father, Dear Son” edited by Joseph W. Ernst and “Random Reminiscences of Men and Events” by Rockefeller Sr. himself.
Contrary to known writings by Rockefeller Sr., “The 38 Letters” contains modern language and peculiar references. Some letters portray Rockefeller Sr. as boasting about his business successes, prioritizing winning above all, and even embracing the concept of greed as necessary.
