Very Rich a History of Wealth

From Front Jacket: 'The Very Rich" is not a book of economics. It is rich with stories of 'people' in all ages who have been blessed, cursed, or possessed by huge fortunes. It concentrates on personal fortunes rather than public or institutional wealth. And because private wealth has played a greater role in the building of the USA than of any other country, the history pays special attention to the American rich. The plan of 'The Very Rich' departs from the chronological order of most histories. Seven of the book's nine chapters look into the history of fortunes that have come from seven basic sources: land, natural resources, trade, finance, services, and early and recent industry. In addition, the book's first chapter explores the relationships of public and private wealth and the political systems that have allowed or denied the building of private fortunes. And the final chapter assesses the roles private wealth has played in the growth of civilizations, and its social threats and utilities. More than 300 illustrations put you inside the 'private property' signs with the ostentations, vulgarities, graces, and good works of the sedan-chair, pony-cart, and jet-set rich. Like them, many of the pictures are brightly colored. They include eight between-chapter portfolios." ******** CONTENTS: 1 - PRIVATE FORTUNES A Portfolio: Wealth in History 2 - WEALTH FROM LAND A Portfolio: The English Landed Gentry 3 - WEALTH FROM NATURAL RESOURCES A Portfolio: What a Way to Go! 4 - WEALTH FROM TRADE A Portfolio: The Good Life of the Dutch 5 - WEALTH FROM FINANCE A Portfolio: The Wealthy Patrons 6 - WEALTH FROM TALENT (by Peter Andrews) A Portfolio: Some Whims of the Very Rich 7 - WEALTH FROM THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION A Portfolio: The Gilded Age 8 - WEALTH FROM MODERN INDUSTRY (by Ralph Andrist) A Portfolio: The Affluent Life 9 - WEALTH & SOCIETY

This book turned out to be an interesting read. The author gives you coverage of the richest people on earth.You are shown and introduced to the money elite through the pages of this book.You are given a biography of the very rich and told how theybecame the wealthiest people in the world.You are introduced tothe rich by the various trades and businesses that they made their money through.A very interesting book that you will enjoyreading.You will find this book to be educational as well.

...This is a history of wealth full of interesting people and details, not just a mere book about money. The book is full of mostly black and white photographs with a few color photos. Some of the photos included are ones of: Hetty the worlds richest woman, crown jewels of Iran,Irenee du Pont in 1957 with a pet iguana, a garden of clipped bushes in the shape on animals, Edith Kingdon, photos of Newport life, Mrs Vanderbilts ball in 1883 and many more. You are sure to find the rich stories just as fascinating as the incredible pictures.