The Ultra Rich

The Ultra Rich takes readers inside the secretive world of America's wealthiest individuals during the late 1980s. Through extensive interviews and research, Vance Packard profiles thirty super-rich Americans, examining their lifestyles, spending habits, and paths to extreme wealth. The book presents detailed accounts of private jets, mansion complexes, and extravagant purchases that characterize life among the ultra-wealthy. Packard documents the specific mechanisms and business dealings that enabled these individuals to amass their fortunes, from real estate empires to publishing ventures. The research extends beyond pure observation to analyze the societal impacts of concentrated wealth. Packard makes a case for policy reforms, including changes to inheritance and wealth taxation, while examining the broader economic implications of extreme wealth inequality. Through these profiles and analysis, the book raises fundamental questions about the role of vast private wealth in American society and democracy. The work stands as both a time capsule of 1980s excess and a still-relevant examination of wealth concentration's effects on social structures.

Readers found this 1989 book to be a detailed examination of America's ultra-wealthy families, though many note the data and examples are now dated. Readers appreciated: - Personal interviews with wealthy individuals - Analysis of inheritance patterns and family dynamics - Clear breakdown of wealth categories and tiers - Focus on lesser-known wealthy families beyond the usual names Common criticisms: - Repetitive writing style - Overly focused on East Coast old money - Limited coverage of self-made wealth - Some statistics now obsolete From a forum review: "Packard did his homework with actual interviews, but gets bogged down in endless examples rather than insights." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (48 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (11 reviews) One Amazon reviewer noted: "The principles about wealth transfer and family dynamics still hold true, even if the specific dollar amounts are from another era."

The Power Elite by C. Wright Mills This sociological study examines how military, corporate, and political elites shaped power structures in mid-20th century America.

Plutocrats by Chrystia Freeland The book details the lives, influence, and global impact of the new transnational class of billionaires who emerged in the 21st century.

The New Class War by Michael Lind The work analyzes how a managerial elite has gained control of the economy, culture, and politics in Western democracies.

Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty This economic analysis traces the concentration of wealth among elite classes through history and its implications for society.

Dark Money by Jane Mayer The book investigates how wealthy donors and families use their fortunes to influence political outcomes through hidden networks.

🔸 Vance Packard's groundbreaking work "The Hidden Persuaders" (1957) established him as a pioneering critic of consumer culture and advertising manipulation decades before "The Ultra Rich" 🔸 The book's research included unprecedented access to private family offices and wealth management firms that typically maintain strict secrecy about their ultra-wealthy clients 🔸 J.R. Simplot, featured prominently in the book, built his fortune by pioneering frozen french fry production and becoming McDonald's primary potato supplier 🔸 The book was published in 1989, coinciding with the height of the "Decade of Excess" and the savings and loan crisis that reshaped American wealth dynamics 🔸 Packard spent over three years conducting more than 1,000 interviews for the book, including conversations with wealth managers, tax attorneys, and family members of the ultra-wealthy