Title: Rich : the rise and fall of American wealth culture /
Authors: Samuel, Lawrence R.
Publisher: AMACOM/American Management Association,
Year: 2009
Subjects: Rich people United States.; Wealth United States
Abstract: As Americans, we have been taught to be obsessed with money and the people who have it. We are curious about what they buy, where they vacation, and what separates them from the rest of us. Rich puts the American obsession with money into context, exposing the origins of the upper class. The book traces the history of the American rich from 1920 up to today, examining the who, what, when, where, and why of the wealthy elite. Samuel delves into the secrets about the rich and famous: Who were the Gateses, Bransons, and Trumps (and even Paris Hiltons) of the past? How did the rich show off their status? What did they splurge on and how did they scrimp when times got tough? Rich also explores the rise of the first mass affluent class in America and the virtual demise of old money as we knew it. Enlightening and often surprising, Rich gives us a deeper understanding of our country's wealthiest and most enigmatic class.
Contents: This side of paradise, 1920-1929 -- Brother, can you szpare a dime? 1930-1945 -- If I were a rich man, 1946-1964 -- Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes-Benz? 1965-1979 -- Lifestyles of the rich and famous, 1980-1994 -- Who wants to be a millionaire? 1995-.