Circus of Ambition: The Culture of Wealth and Power in the Eighties

Arguing that our growing conservatism in things political goes hand in hand with American society's increasing interest in wealth, appetite for conspicuous consumption and yearning for power, Taylor ( Storming the Magic Kingdom ) offers an entertaining if controversial analysis of the causes of these allied developments and their impact on all aspects of life. Our ``money culture,'' he contends, was sanctioned by religious leaders such as Jerry Falwell--and by bluestocking charities and institutions like New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art, avid for new money. With sly humor, the author explains how this ``culture'' has anointed stars in the worlds of art, fashion, entertainment, sports, etc., based largely on the fees they command, their snob appeal and their potential as investment opportunities. Crediting inflation and market deregulation for spawning a new breed of ruthless investment bankers, corporate raiders and developers, Taylor maintains that despite the 1987 stock market ``crash,'' our current crippling deficit, economic and social polarization, the money culture's yen for quick profits continues unabated. (Oct.)