Dalzell, Robert F

Traces the history of the Rockefellers' Kykuit estate along the Hudson River, describing how the estate was designed and built, what the house has come to symbolize for the family and American society, and how it represents the family's wealth and dreams.

Presents a study of the lives of a group of men, known as the Boston Associates, who prospered as merchants at the start of the nineteenth century and later invested heavily in the American textile industry.

Examines the paradox of how the concept of democracy coexists with the admiration of the wealthy in America; profiles a number of Americans whose wealth is tied to social concerns, including George Washington, Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey; and discusses the cost of longstanding attitudes toward the rich.