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The Rich: From Slaves to Super-Yachts: A 2,000-Year History

by John Kampfner
The Rich: From Slaves to Super-Yachts: A 2,000-Year History
The Rich: From Slaves to Super-Yachts: A 2,000-Year History

Historical evolution of wealth's influence and display.

If you're intrigued by the intricate tapestry of history, power, and wealth, "The Rich" by John Kampfner could offer you a riveting outlook on how the extravagantly wealthy have shaped our world. It's not just a series of biographies; it's a deep dive into the societal and cultural dominion of the elite across centuries. As you turn the pages, you'll find that the mechanisms of wealth and power, from ancient empires to today's billionaires, might have evolved in style but not in essence. This book is an eye-opener that contextualizes the societal impacts of the super-rich, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in history, economics, or the subtle interplay between affluence and influence.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

The Rich: From Slaves to Super-Yachts: A 2,000-Year History

by John Kampfner
Condition guide

Book Condition Guide

Books in Like New Condition

This book may contain very minor cosmetic defects, but it is in pristine condition. There should be no yellowing, no foxing, no water damage, and no annotations of any kind on the cover and the pages. For paperbacks, there should not be any crease marks on the spine. This book is good as new — lucky you!

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

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*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

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We do our best to ensure the quality of our books, but there is no escaping the wear and tear that comes with time. Slight foxing and some annotations may be present on the pages and the cover. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be several crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Well Read Condition

This is a well-read book, which means that the previous owner probably really enjoyed it! The cover and pages may include moderate foxing and annotations, but the text is not obscured and still readable. Moderate cosmetic defects and minor water damage may be present on the edges of the book. For paperbacks, there may be multiple crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

 

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ISBN: 9781408704271
Authors: John Kampfner
Publisher: Little, Brown
Date of Publication: 2014-10-14
Format: Paperback
Related Collections: History, Economics, Sociology
Related Topics: Economics, History, Sociology, European History, World History, Money
Goodreads rating: 3.85
(rated by 164 readers)

Description

From the Roman Republic to Roman Abramovich, a tiny number of the super-rich have held sway over the economies and politics of their eras. How they made their money—by skill, luck or ruthless determination—becomes irrelevant once they've reached the top. From the Pope's banker, Cosimo de' Medici, to the robber baron Andrew Carnegie, the origins of fortunes are quickly forgotten as their owners fund the building of churches and libraries and become patrons of the arts and learning. Eager to be accepted by the establishment, billionaires often use these philanthropic gestures to attain status and enhance their public image. This 'reputation laundering' is more powerful and prevalent today than it has ever been. The objects of desire may have changed, but the rules have stayed the same. For the slaves, concubines, gold and castles of the past, read today's private jets, holiday islands and football clubs. Does the start of the twenty-first century mark a turning point or does history show us that the richest 0.01 per cent will always triumph? With extraordinary tales of Norman knights, Malian kings and Spanish conquistadores through to present-day sheikhs, internet giants, oligarchs and bankers, this is the compelling story of the rise and rise of the very wealthy around the world over the past two thousand years.
 

Historical evolution of wealth's influence and display.

If you're intrigued by the intricate tapestry of history, power, and wealth, "The Rich" by John Kampfner could offer you a riveting outlook on how the extravagantly wealthy have shaped our world. It's not just a series of biographies; it's a deep dive into the societal and cultural dominion of the elite across centuries. As you turn the pages, you'll find that the mechanisms of wealth and power, from ancient empires to today's billionaires, might have evolved in style but not in essence. This book is an eye-opener that contextualizes the societal impacts of the super-rich, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in history, economics, or the subtle interplay between affluence and influence.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.