The truth about money, markets and multi-millionaires. From the richest Romans to the robber barons to the tech billionaires of today, leading economist Sam Wilkin tells stories of profound wealth then shows exactly how they did it.

'Infuriating... Wilkin's main claim is that the super-rich have discovered 'secret' ways of both making and preserving their fortunes... like [Capital author Thomas] Piketty, Wilkin has a love-hate relationship with capitalism. He takes the view that most billionaires are rich because, one way or another, they have found ways to rig the market.' The Times

What does it take to make a fortune?

Hard work? Great ideas? Intelligence? Business acumen?

Or something else entirely?

Spanning centuries and continents, from the Ancient World to the 21st century, Wealth Secrets of the 1% uncovers the economic principles that enable a fortunate few to get really rich. Witty, provocative and immaculately researched, it is essential and revelatory reading at a time when 1% of the world's population owns half of its wealth.


'Clever [and] entertaining, with a distinctly satirical edge' Daily Mail

'Illuminating [and] eye-opening... sure to make libertarian heads explode' Kirkus Reviews

'What makes this book different is that Sam Wilkin is an inside man' Daily Telegraph

'No one gets really rich reading how-to-get-rich handbooks...Wilkin offers up the real scoop in Wealth Secrets of the One Percent, a delicious - and insight-packed - send-up of the genre.' Toomuch.com