A World History of the Rich

This work, by the French professor Fabrice d’Almeida, investigates the origins of the great financial dynasties on a global scale, from Rockefeller to Jobs, from Vanderbilt to Bezos, from Krupp to Musk, from Queen Victoria to Kylie Jenner, always delving deeper into and sharing the place they secured in history, understanding their political behaviours, social influences and systemic impact on national and global economies.

These are the men and women of the global elite who fly in private jets, collect luxury cars, throw lavish parties, invest in all markets and dominate all networks. The rich, the very rich, are the real power, sometimes exercising it visibly; at other times, not. We know them without knowing them, and we nurture a dangerous fascination with them that can sometimes amount to hatred.

«More than the processes of creation, accumulation and concentration of wealth, this astute French historian draws profiles of typical rich figures and carries out a fine analysis of their social, public and private practices.»

José Eduardo Franco, historian and researcher (Centre for Global Studies — Open University)