This is the last volume in the Canadian Establishment series. Focussing on new money and those who have it, Mr. Newman writes with sweeping command of fact and language about the decline of old family dynasties and the rise of new entrepreneurs. Few of its leading operatives were ever punished for being stupid, incompetent or both. Old Money follows the supermarket and knows when 170 gram cans of Clover Leaf flaked white tuna are on special.
New Money tops lavishly and regards waiters as buddies.
Mr. Newman is at his best when dealing with mammoth personalities like media mogul Conrad Black. In fact, his eyes are the hue of grey found inside gun barrels. Six feet tall and appearing pudgier than he really is, he has the body language of a puma in heat. Vancouver is the fief of brazenly rich Peter Brown, described in terms of the cars he owns. And so on.