🏛️ Financial Elites

A penetrating look at the rarefied world of the ultra-wealthy and the outsized influence they wield over markets, politics, and the rules of the game.

Giants

by Peter Phillips • 2018

How a small group of financiers and their directors captured governments, media, and the military.

3.79

257

🏦 Financial Power 🌐 Global Elite ⚖️ Wealth Inequality

Giants 92%

How a small group of financiers and their directors captured governments, media, and the military.

by Peter Phillips 2018

3.79

257 ratings

🏦 Financial Power 🌐 Global Elite ⚖️ Wealth Inequality

Affluence and Influence

by Martin Gilens • 2010

When the rich and the rest disagree, policy follows the rich. Forty years of data.

3.79

145

💰 Money In Politics 📉 Income Inequality 🏛️ Plutocracy

Affluence and Influence 91%

When the rich and the rest disagree, policy follows the rich. Forty years of data.

by Martin Gilens 2010

3.79

145 ratings

💰 Money In Politics 📉 Income Inequality 🏛️ Plutocracy

The Oligarchs’ Grip

by David Lingelbach • 2023

Oligarchs turn money into power and power into money. The playbook predates Rome, and it's winning.

3.67

🔬 Political Economy 💰 Wealth Inequality 🎯 State Capture

The Oligarchs’ Grip 91%

Oligarchs turn money into power and power into money. The playbook predates Rome, and it's winning.

by David Lingelbach 2023

3.67

3 ratings

🔬 Political Economy 💰 Wealth Inequality 🎯 State Capture

Superclass

by David Rothkopf • 2008

About six thousand people actually run the world. They are not who you voted for.

3.57

487

🌍 Global Elites 🌐 Transnational Power 💰 Wealth Inequality

Superclass 91%

About six thousand people actually run the world. They are not who you voted for.

by David Rothkopf 2008

3.57

487 ratings

🌍 Global Elites 🌐 Transnational Power 💰 Wealth Inequality

The New Elite

by Jim Taylor • 2008

Most of the truly wealthy are self-made, shop at Costco, and prefer you never notice.

3.69

132

🧠 Wealth Psychology 👑 Elite Studies 💼 Entrepreneurial Wealth

The New Elite 91%

Most of the truly wealthy are self-made, shop at Costco, and prefer you never notice.

by Jim Taylor 2008

3.69

132 ratings

🧠 Wealth Psychology 👑 Elite Studies 💼 Entrepreneurial Wealth

Jackpot

by Michael Mechanic • 2021

Extreme wealth corrodes character, isolates its owners, and rigs the economy against everyone else.

3.86

820

💸 Wealth Inequality ⚖️ Economic Justice 🧠 Psychology Of Wealth

Jackpot 91%

Extreme wealth corrodes character, isolates its owners, and rigs the economy against everyone else.

by Michael Mechanic 2021

3.86

820 ratings

💸 Wealth Inequality ⚖️ Economic Justice 🧠 Psychology Of Wealth

Plutocrats

by Chrystia Freeland • 2012

The new global elite earned its billions. The system isn't fairer; it's more fragile.

3.61

3k+

💰 Income Inequality 🌍 Global Elites 🏆 Superstar Economy

Plutocrats 91%

The new global elite earned its billions. The system isn't fairer; it's more fragile.

by Chrystia Freeland 2012

3.61

3k+ ratings

💰 Income Inequality 🌍 Global Elites 🏆 Superstar Economy

The Trouble With Billionaires

by Linda McQuaig • 2011

Billionaires didn't build their fortunes: society did. And the bill is long overdue.

3.98

210

🏦 Economic Inequality 📊 Progressive Taxation 🏝️ Tax Havens

The Trouble With Billionaires 91%

Billionaires didn't build their fortunes: society did. And the bill is long overdue.

by Linda McQuaig 2011

3.98

210 ratings

🏦 Economic Inequality 📊 Progressive Taxation 🏝️ Tax Havens

Predator Nation

by Charles Ferguson • 2012

The 2008 crash was no accident; it was a crime, and the perpetrators run the country.

4.11

491

🏦 Financial Crises 🏛️ Regulatory Capture 📉 Income Inequality

Predator Nation 91%

The 2008 crash was no accident; it was a crime, and the perpetrators run the country.

by Charles Ferguson 2012

4.11

491 ratings

🏦 Financial Crises 🏛️ Regulatory Capture 📉 Income Inequality

Controligarchs

by Seamus Bruner • 2023

A trillion-dollar global elite is using crises to control your food, money, and speech.

4.10

271

🌐 Global Elites 💰 Billionaire Class 🚫 Anti-Globalism

Controligarchs 91%

A trillion-dollar global elite is using crises to control your food, money, and speech.

by Seamus Bruner 2023

4.10

271 ratings

🌐 Global Elites 💰 Billionaire Class 🚫 Anti-Globalism

Limitarianism

by Ingrid Robeyns • 2023

At some point, wealth stops being earned and starts being taken. The case for an upper limit.

4.06

2k+

💰 Wealth Inequality 🏛️ Money In Politics ⚖️ Distributive Justice

Limitarianism 91%

At some point, wealth stops being earned and starts being taken. The case for an upper limit.

by Ingrid Robeyns 2023

4.06

2k+ ratings

💰 Wealth Inequality 🏛️ Money In Politics ⚖️ Distributive Justice

Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy

by Joseph E. Stiglitz • 2015

A Nobel economist reveals which rules broke the American economy, and how to fix them.

3.98

291

🏛️ Political Economy 📉 Inequality Economics 💰 Rent-Seeking

Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy Summary

Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy 91%

A Nobel economist reveals which rules broke the American economy, and how to fix them.

by Joseph E. Stiglitz 2015

3.98

291 ratings

🏛️ Political Economy 📉 Inequality Economics 💰 Rent-Seeking

The Winner-Take-All Society

by Robert H. Frank • 1995

Why a narrow edge now pays millions across every profession, and what we can do about it.

3.70

257

📉 Income Inequality 🌟 Superstar Economics 🏁 Positional Arms Races

The Winner-Take-All Society 91%

Why a narrow edge now pays millions across every profession, and what we can do about it.

by Robert H. Frank 1995

3.70

257 ratings

📉 Income Inequality 🌟 Superstar Economics 🏁 Positional Arms Races

The System

by Robert B. Reich • 2020

An oligarchy replaced American democracy. The forty-year playbook, and the path to taking it apart.

4.28

4k+

🏛️ Political Economy 💰 Money In Politics 📉 Economic Inequality

The System 91%

An oligarchy replaced American democracy. The forty-year playbook, and the path to taking it apart.

by Robert B. Reich 2020

4.28

4k+ ratings

🏛️ Political Economy 💰 Money In Politics 📉 Economic Inequality

Wealth Secrets of the One Percent

by Sam Wilkin • 2015

Extreme wealth isn't earned. It's taken through monopoly, political capture, and rigged rules.

3.71

357

🏦 Wealth Inequality 🏛️ History Of Capitalism 🗳️ Political Economy

Wealth Secrets of the One Percent Summary

Wealth Secrets of the One Percent 91%

Extreme wealth isn't earned. It's taken through monopoly, political capture, and rigged rules.

by Sam Wilkin 2015

3.71

357 ratings

🏦 Wealth Inequality 🏛️ History Of Capitalism 🗳️ Political Economy

Who Rules America Now? A View for the 80's

by G. William Domhoff • 1083

Exclusive clubs, think tanks, and family offices: how a tiny ruling class kept the American agenda.

4.17

🏛️ Political Sociology 🧐 Class Analysis 💰 Wealth Inequality

Who Rules America Now? A View for the 80's Summary

Who Rules America Now? A View for the 80's 91%

Exclusive clubs, think tanks, and family offices: how a tiny ruling class kept the American agenda.

by G. William Domhoff 1083

4.17

30 ratings

🏛️ Political Sociology 🧐 Class Analysis 💰 Wealth Inequality

All the Presidents' Bankers

by Nomi Prins • 2014

A century of backroom deals: how bankers, not presidents, drove America's rise to global power.

4.07

539

🏦 Banking History 💰 Political Economy 🏛️ Regulatory Capture

All the Presidents' Bankers 90%

A century of backroom deals: how bankers, not presidents, drove America's rise to global power.

by Nomi Prins 2014

4.07

539 ratings

🏦 Banking History 💰 Political Economy 🏛️ Regulatory Capture

Goldman Sachs

by Lisa Endlich • 1999

One rule built Wall Street's last private giant: every partner was personally liable for every loss.

3.50

646

🏦 Investment Banking 📜 Wall Street History 🏢 Corporate History

Goldman Sachs 90%

One rule built Wall Street's last private giant: every partner was personally liable for every loss.

by Lisa Endlich 1999

3.50

646 ratings

🏦 Investment Banking 📜 Wall Street History 🏢 Corporate History

Treasure Islands

by Nicholas Shaxson • 2011

For every dollar in foreign aid, ten flee into tax havens. London's hidden City runs the system.

4.18

2k+

🏝️ Offshore Finance ⚖️ Global Inequality 🏢 Corporate Crime

Treasure Islands 90%

For every dollar in foreign aid, ten flee into tax havens. London's hidden City runs the system.

by Nicholas Shaxson 2011

4.18

2k+ ratings

🏝️ Offshore Finance ⚖️ Global Inequality 🏢 Corporate Crime

The Great Taking

by David Rogers Webb • 2023

Your stocks aren't yours. They're collateral for a derivatives bet you never made.

4.13

157

🕵️ Financial Conspiracy 🏦 Central Banking ⛓️ Debt And Power

The Great Taking 90%

Your stocks aren't yours. They're collateral for a derivatives bet you never made.

by David Rogers Webb 2023

4.13

157 ratings

🕵️ Financial Conspiracy 🏦 Central Banking ⛓️ Debt And Power

Rich Dad's Increase Your Financial IQ

by Robert T. Kiyosaki • 2008

Wealth comes from know-how, not assets. Five core capacities that make every dollar work harder.

4.08

8k+

📈 Wealth Building 🧠 Financial Literacy 💡 Investing Mindset

Rich Dad's Increase Your Financial IQ Summary

Rich Dad's Increase Your Financial IQ 90%

Wealth comes from know-how, not assets. Five core capacities that make every dollar work harder.

by Robert T. Kiyosaki 2008

4.08

8k+ ratings

📈 Wealth Building 🧠 Financial Literacy 💡 Investing Mindset

Davos Man

by Peter S. Goodman • 2022

A global elite rewrote economic rules to enrich themselves. The pandemic was their biggest payday.

3.93

1k+

🔻 Economic Inequality 🏢 Corporate Power 💰 Tax Evasion

Davos Man 90%

A global elite rewrote economic rules to enrich themselves. The pandemic was their biggest payday.

by Peter S. Goodman 2022

3.93

1k+ ratings

🔻 Economic Inequality 🏢 Corporate Power 💰 Tax Evasion

The Speech

by Bernie Sanders • 2010

The floor speech that indicted tax cuts, trade deals, and deregulation for gutting the middle class.

4.20

916

📊 Economic Inequality 🏢 Corporate Power 🗳️ Progressive Politics

The Speech 90%

The floor speech that indicted tax cuts, trade deals, and deregulation for gutting the middle class.

by Bernie Sanders 2010

4.20

916 ratings

📊 Economic Inequality 🏢 Corporate Power 🗳️ Progressive Politics

Beyond Outrage

by Robert B. Reich • 2012

The top 1% doubled their share of national income, and then they bought the government.

4.06

2k+

🏚️ Economic Inequality 💰 Money In Politics 🏢 Corporate Power

Beyond Outrage 90%

The top 1% doubled their share of national income, and then they bought the government.

by Robert B. Reich 2012

4.06

2k+ ratings

🏚️ Economic Inequality 💰 Money In Politics 🏢 Corporate Power

Winner-Take-All Politics

by Jacob S. Hacker • 2010

The top 1% took 36% of income gains over decades. That's not economics; it's politics.

4.04

2k+

🏛️ Political Economy 📊 Income Inequality 💰 Money In Politics

Winner-Take-All Politics 90%

The top 1% took 36% of income gains over decades. That's not economics; it's politics.

by Jacob S. Hacker 2010

4.04

2k+ ratings

🏛️ Political Economy 📊 Income Inequality 💰 Money In Politics

Makers and Takers

by Rana Foroohar • 2016

Finance has stopped serving business; it now feeds on it, extracting wealth, not creating it.

3.97

2k+

🏦 Financialization ⏳ Short-Termism 🏙️ Wall Street

Makers and Takers 90%

Finance has stopped serving business; it now feeds on it, extracting wealth, not creating it.

by Rana Foroohar 2016

3.97

2k+ ratings

🏦 Financialization ⏳ Short-Termism 🏙️ Wall Street

The Key Man

by Simon Clark • 2021

Davos loved him. Bill Gates trusted him. He promised profit from poverty, then stole a billion.

4.18

3k+

🏢 Private Equity 🌍 Emerging Markets 💸 Financial Fraud

The Key Man 90%

Davos loved him. Bill Gates trusted him. He promised profit from poverty, then stole a billion.

by Simon Clark 2021

4.18

3k+ ratings

🏢 Private Equity 🌍 Emerging Markets 💸 Financial Fraud

Why We Can't Afford the Rich

by Andrew Sayer • 2014

Rent, interest, and capital gains: the unearned incomes that build fortunes and wreck the planet.

4.02

149

🏦 Rentier Capitalism 🏝️ Tax Havens 📈 Financialization

Why We Can't Afford the Rich 90%

Rent, interest, and capital gains: the unearned incomes that build fortunes and wreck the planet.

by Andrew Sayer 2014

4.02

149 ratings

🏦 Rentier Capitalism 🏝️ Tax Havens 📈 Financialization

The Velvet Rope Economy

by Nelson D. Schwartz • 2020

From fast passes to private firefighters, a new tier of everything is carving society in two.

4.08

1k+

💰 Income Inequality 🏛️ Class Stratification ✨ Luxury Marketing

The Velvet Rope Economy 90%

From fast passes to private firefighters, a new tier of everything is carving society in two.

by Nelson D. Schwartz 2020

4.08

1k+ ratings

💰 Income Inequality 🏛️ Class Stratification ✨ Luxury Marketing

Reckless Endangerment

by Gretchen Morgenson • 2011

Good intentions met Wall Street greed and captured regulators. The crisis was built to order.

3.96

2k+

🏦 Financial Crises ⚖️ Regulatory Failure 🏚️ Subprime Lending

Reckless Endangerment 90%

Good intentions met Wall Street greed and captured regulators. The crisis was built to order.

by Gretchen Morgenson 2011

3.96

2k+ ratings

🏦 Financial Crises ⚖️ Regulatory Failure 🏚️ Subprime Lending

Griftopia

by Matt Taibbi • 2010

From the ballot box to the commodities pit, one unified hustle is picking every American pocket.

4.16

10k+

📰 Financial Journalism 🫧 Bubble Economics 🏛️ Systemic Corruption

Griftopia 90%

From the ballot box to the commodities pit, one unified hustle is picking every American pocket.

by Matt Taibbi 2010

4.16

10k+ ratings

📰 Financial Journalism 🫧 Bubble Economics 🏛️ Systemic Corruption

Bad Company

by Megan Greenwell • 2025

Private equity buys hospitals, newspapers, and homes with debt that falls on everyone except them.

4.03

5k+

🏢 Private Equity 📉 Economic Inequality ⚖️ Corporate Accountability

Bad Company 90%

Private equity buys hospitals, newspapers, and homes with debt that falls on everyone except them.

by Megan Greenwell 2025

4.03

5k+ ratings

🏢 Private Equity 📉 Economic Inequality ⚖️ Corporate Accountability

Why Save the Bankers?

by Thomas Piketty • 2016

The bailouts rescued banks, not citizens. An economist's plan to put democracy back in charge.

3.61

1k+

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Economic Inequality 💶 Eurozone Crisis 🧾 Progressive Taxation

Why Save the Bankers? 90%

The bailouts rescued banks, not citizens. An economist's plan to put democracy back in charge.

by Thomas Piketty 2016

3.61

1k+ ratings

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Economic Inequality 💶 Eurozone Crisis 🧾 Progressive Taxation

Pound Foolish

by Helaine Olen • 2012

The personal finance industry wants you anxious, not wealthy. Your worry is their business model.

3.67

2k+

🦈 Predatory Finance 🔍 Investigative Journalism 💥 Anti-Self-Help

Pound Foolish 90%

The personal finance industry wants you anxious, not wealthy. Your worry is their business model.

by Helaine Olen 2012

3.67

2k+ ratings

🦈 Predatory Finance 🔍 Investigative Journalism 💥 Anti-Self-Help

The Givers

by David Callahan • 2017

When the richest Americans give, they also take: control over public life, without a vote.

3.73

485

🏛️ Money In Politics 💰 Wealth And Democracy 🕶️ Dark Money

The Givers 90%

When the richest Americans give, they also take: control over public life, without a vote.

by David Callahan 2017

3.73

485 ratings

🏛️ Money In Politics 💰 Wealth And Democracy 🕶️ Dark Money

The Road to Ruin

by James Rickards • 2016

The next financial crisis is scripted: a global currency switch, and gold is the escape hatch.

4.05

1k+

🌐 Global Finance 💥 Financial Crises 🏦 Monetary Policy

The Road to Ruin 90%

The next financial crisis is scripted: a global currency switch, and gold is the escape hatch.

by James Rickards 2016

4.05

1k+ ratings

🌐 Global Finance 💥 Financial Crises 🏦 Monetary Policy

Plutocracy in America

by Ronald P. Formisano • 2015

How the wealthy captured democracy, rewrote the rules, and left the middle class with the bill.

4.05

🏦 Wealth Inequality 📉 Middle Class Decline 💰 Campaign Finance

Plutocracy in America 90%

How the wealthy captured democracy, rewrote the rules, and left the middle class with the bill.

by Ronald P. Formisano 2015

4.05

21 ratings

🏦 Wealth Inequality 📉 Middle Class Decline 💰 Campaign Finance

Collusion

by Nomi Prins • 2018

Central banks print trillions from nothing to prop up the rich, with no way to stop.

3.69

334

🏦 Central Banking 📈 Monetary Policy 💸 Quantitative Easing

Collusion 90%

Central banks print trillions from nothing to prop up the rich, with no way to stop.

by Nomi Prins 2018

3.69

334 ratings

🏦 Central Banking 📈 Monetary Policy 💸 Quantitative Easing

The Hidden Wealth of Nations

by Gabriel Zucman • 2015

Eight percent of global wealth hides in tax havens; the fix is known and unused.

3.95

1k+

🏝️ Tax Havens 💰 Wealth Inequality 🕵️ Tax Evasion

The Hidden Wealth of Nations 90%

Eight percent of global wealth hides in tax havens; the fix is known and unused.

by Gabriel Zucman 2015

3.95

1k+ ratings

🏝️ Tax Havens 💰 Wealth Inequality 🕵️ Tax Evasion

Bailout Nation

by Barry Ritholtz • 2009

Wall Street keeps the upside. Taxpayers eat the losses. How America rewrote the rules of capitalism.

3.87

572

🏦 Financial Crises 💵 Monetary Policy 🏠 Housing Bubbles

Bailout Nation 90%

Wall Street keeps the upside. Taxpayers eat the losses. How America rewrote the rules of capitalism.

by Barry Ritholtz 2009

3.87

572 ratings

🏦 Financial Crises 💵 Monetary Policy 🏠 Housing Bubbles

The Ascent of Money

by Niall Ferguson • 2007

Wars are won on bond markets, not battlefields. A financial historian rewrites the story of power.

3.90

31k+

🏛️ Financial History 📈 Economic History 🏦 Banking Systems

The Ascent of Money 90%

Wars are won on bond markets, not battlefields. A financial historian rewrites the story of power.

by Niall Ferguson 2007

3.90

31k+ ratings

🏛️ Financial History 📈 Economic History 🏦 Banking Systems

The Great Divide

by Joseph E. Stiglitz • 2015

Inequality isn't fate; it's a policy choice, and the architects designed it for themselves.

3.82

1k+

💸 Income Inequality 🏛 Political Economy 💰 Money In Politics

The Great Divide 90%

Inequality isn't fate; it's a policy choice, and the architects designed it for themselves.

by Joseph E. Stiglitz 2015

3.82

1k+ ratings

💸 Income Inequality 🏛 Political Economy 💰 Money In Politics

Aftermath

by Rickards James • 2019

Central banks buried 2008 in printed money. The real crash comes when the printing stops.

4.09

676

🏦 Financial Crises 🏛️ Central Banking ⚠️ Systemic Risk

Aftermath 90%

Central banks buried 2008 in printed money. The real crash comes when the printing stops.

by Rickards James 2019

4.09

676 ratings

🏦 Financial Crises 🏛️ Central Banking ⚠️ Systemic Risk

Supermoney

by George Goodman • 1972

Wealth comes not from wages but from earnings multiplied by stocks. How the machine works.

3.85

339

📈 Stock Market 💰 Value Investing 🧠 Behavioral Finance

Supermoney 90%

Wealth comes not from wages but from earnings multiplied by stocks. How the machine works.

by George Goodman 1972

3.85

339 ratings

📈 Stock Market 💰 Value Investing 🧠 Behavioral Finance

Moneyland

by Oliver Bullough • 2018

Stolen wealth has a home: a borderless financial nation built by Western lawyers and accountants.

4.18

7k+

🏝️ Offshore Finance 🔒 Financial Secrecy 💰 Kleptocracy

Moneyland 90%

Stolen wealth has a home: a borderless financial nation built by Western lawyers and accountants.

by Oliver Bullough 2018

4.18

7k+ ratings

🏝️ Offshore Finance 🔒 Financial Secrecy 💰 Kleptocracy

Who Stole the American Dream?

by Hedrick Smith • 2012

One 1971 memo mobilized business for political combat. The middle class never recovered.

4.19

874

🏛️ Political Economy 🏢 Corporate Power 📉 Middle Class Decline

Who Stole the American Dream? 90%

One 1971 memo mobilized business for political combat. The middle class never recovered.

by Hedrick Smith 2012

4.19

874 ratings

🏛️ Political Economy 🏢 Corporate Power 📉 Middle Class Decline

Our Lives in Their Portfolios

by Brett Christophers • 2023

The invisible firms that bought your apartment, your toll road, and your power grid.

4.00

303

🔑 Rentier Capitalism 📊 Financialization 🏦 Institutional Investment

Our Lives in Their Portfolios 90%

The invisible firms that bought your apartment, your toll road, and your power grid.

by Brett Christophers 2023

4.00

303 ratings

🔑 Rentier Capitalism 📊 Financialization 🏦 Institutional Investment

American Oligarchy

by Ron Formisano • 2017

Money buys policy, office converts to wealth, and crimes go unpunished in American government.

3.81

📛 Political Corruption 💰 Campaign Finance 🚪 Revolving Door

American Oligarchy 90%

Money buys policy, office converts to wealth, and crimes go unpunished in American government.

by Ron Formisano 2017

3.81

31 ratings

📛 Political Corruption 💰 Campaign Finance 🚪 Revolving Door

Nation on the Take

by Wendell Potter • 2016

Six billion dollars bought the 2012 election. This is what the donors got for their money.

3.97

126

💰 Money In Politics 🏛️ Corporate Lobbying 🗳️ Political Corruption

Nation on the Take 90%

Six billion dollars bought the 2012 election. This is what the donors got for their money.

by Wendell Potter 2016

3.97

126 ratings

💰 Money In Politics 🏛️ Corporate Lobbying 🗳️ Political Corruption

Killing the Host

by Michael Hudson • 2013

Debt inflates wealth, then crushes the real economy; the 2008 bailouts saved the wrong patient.

4.34

387

🏦 Financialization 🏛️ Political Economy 💸 Debt Cycles

Killing the Host 90%

Debt inflates wealth, then crushes the real economy; the 2008 bailouts saved the wrong patient.

by Michael Hudson 2013

4.34

387 ratings

🏦 Financialization 🏛️ Political Economy 💸 Debt Cycles

Compare Features	Free	Pro
📖 Read Summaries Read unlimited summaries. Free users get 3 per month
🎧 Listen to Summaries Listen to unlimited summaries in 40 languages	—
❤️ Unlimited Bookmarks Free users are limited to 4	—
📜 Unlimited History Free users are limited to 4	—
📥 Unlimited Downloads Free users are limited to 1	—

People love SoBrief

Join our global community of 600,000+ readers

★★★★★

This site is a total game-changer. I've been flying through book summaries like never before. Highly, highly recommend.

— Dave G

Worth my money and time, and really well made. I've never seen this quality of summaries on other websites. Very helpful!

— Em

Highly recommended!! Fantastic service. Perfect for those that want a little more than a teaser but not all the intricate details of a full audio book.

— Greg M