Poor Boy's Guide

Although New York City investment banker Duffy admits he has not yet found ""the right rich girl'' for matrimony, he claims that many such women are his ``closest friends and confidantes.'' He opens this book with ``clues'' for identifying and understanding their tastes, interests and hobbies (``For some rich girls shopping becomes more than a hobbyit's closer to a profession''). After a geographical briefing (including Bryn Mawr, Grosse Pointe and Tuxedo Park) he offers tips on parents (``Never argue with Daddy''), the six major events in a rich girl's life (from ``The Death of Nanny'' to ``Meeting You'') and sources for introductions and sex (``This, unfortunately, will be a short chapter''). There are also many lists here, including ``The Classic Horse Show Events'' and an ``Honor Roll'' of poor-boy overachievers (Chuck Robb, Prince Philip, Claus von Bulow) who have married ``very, very rich girls.'' This shopping guide chronicles the affluent with affection and wit, providing a wealth of information on what he terms a ``profitable and enjoyable adventure.'' (November)