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Product Description
2 cassettes / 3 hours
Read by the Author
In P.J. O'Rourke's classic bestseller Parliament of Whores, he attempted to explain the entire United States government. In Eat the Rich, he takes on an even broader subject, but one that is dear to us all - wealth.
What is it? How do you get it? Or, as P.J. says, "Why do some places prosper and thrive, while others just suck?"
The starting point is Wall Street. P.J. takes the listener on a scary hilarious, and enlightening visit to the New York Stock Exchange, then sets off on a world tour to investigate funny economics Having seen "good" capitalism on Wall Street, he looks at "bad" capitalism in Albania, views "good" socialism in Sweden, and endures "bad" socialism in Cuba. Head reeling, he describes to tackle that Econ 101 course he avoided in college. The result is the only astute presentation of the principles of economics that can make you laugh on purpose
Armed with theory, P.J. ventures to Russia, Tanzania, Hong Kong, and ends up in Shanghai, observing a top-down transition to capitalism.
P.J.'s conclusion in a nutshell: the free market is ugly and stupid, like going to the mall; the unfree market is just as ugly and just as stupid, except there's nothing in the mall and if you don't go there they shoot you.
Amazon.com Review
What is it that makes one person rich and another poor? It's a tough question and not one generally suited to laughs, but P.J. O'Rourke--in the audio version of his ironic and insightful book, Eat the Rich--is a master at finding humor in the most unlikely places. Here he travels from Wall Street to Russia, Hong Kong to Cuba on an immensely entertaining quest for economic enlightenment. It's an educational journey wrapped in hilarity, which is especially enjoyable when heard in the surprisingly deep, resonant voice of the author himself. (Running time: three hours, two cassettes) --George Laney
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