Mystery Surrounds Top-Ranked Rockefeller Book as Publisher Denies Involvement

The mysterious origin of "The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to his son: Perspective, Ideology and Wisdom" has raised questions about publishing practices and the surge in wealth-help books. The book, ranked No. 22 on Amazon's best-selling economic history books list, has been called into question due to its questionable authenticity and factual errors.

CNBC began investigating the book last month, and the Rockefeller Archive Center confirmed that it could not find any letters matching those in the book. The center also cited major factual errors, including an incorrect graduation year for John D. Rockefeller Jr. and a letter mentioning Citibank, which was not created until 1976. The Archive center stated that the book's authenticity is questionable.

Now, OpenStax, the nonprofit publisher of open educational resources at Rice University, has denied any involvement in the book, despite being listed as the publisher in some printings. A spokesperson for OpenStax stated that they are investigating the situation to protect their brand and ensure accurate information.

The book's popularity highlights the enduring fascination with John D. Rockefeller and the vaunted Rockefeller family. The Rockefeller name has even spawned a cottage industry in China of Rockefeller lessons and business advice. "The 38 Letters" book has quickly become a popular financial- and parenting-advice book on Amazon, with 832 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 on Goodreads.

However, the book's authors, G. Ng and M. Tan, could not be identified or reached for comment, and there is no information about them in the book or on Amazon. Additionally, Amazon declined to comment on the book's authenticity, stating only that they have content guidelines governing which books can be listed for sale and that they invest significant time and resources to ensure their guidelines are followed.

The mystery around "The 38 Letters" raises important questions about publishing practices and the surge in wealth-help books. As the book continues to gain popularity and high rankings on Amazon, it is crucial to consider the role of online reviews in influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Positive reviews and high ratings can create a sense of trust and credibility, making potential buyers more likely to purchase the book. However, the authenticity of the book's letters was later called into question, highlighting the importance of verifying the authenticity and accuracy of information before making a purchase.

In conclusion, the mystery surrounding "The 38 Letters" serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough vetting and verification processes in the publishing industry. As the book continues to gain popularity, it is essential to consider the role of online reviews in influencing consumer purchasing decisions and the need for transparency and accountability in the publishing process.