Laurance S. Rockefeller: Catalyst For Conservation

From early childhood, Laurance S. Rockefeller was deeply interested in nature and conservation. Influenced by his family's long history of philanthropy, Rockefeller has used his considerable fortune to support environmental goals, even making conservation and historical preservation his life's work. Now 87, he is the subject of Robin W. Winks's biography, Laurance S. Rockefeller: Catalyst for Conservation. Over the years, Rockefeller has donated undisclosed millions of dollars to support national parks and establish historic sites. Winks suggests that his greatest contribution, however, was the time he spent as chairman of the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission in the 1950s. During that time, many of the programs in place today that protect against pollution and designate federally protected wilderness areas were first proposed. Winks's sympathetic portrayal of an old-school philanthropist provides insight into both the conservationist movement in America today and the life of an extraordinary man.