Luxury fever

Money well spent? The luxury spending boom — Why now? — The price of luxury — Does money buy happiness? — Gains that endure — Our forgotten future — Excellent, relatively speaking — Why context and position are so important — Smart for one, dumb for all — Understanding conspicuous consumption — Self help? — Other failed remedies — Luxury without apology — Equity versus efficiency: the great trade-off? — We can't afford it? — Cash on the table.

; 'The turn of the twenty-first century witnessed a spectacular rise in gross consumption. With the super-rich setting the pace, everyone spent furiously in a desperate attempt to keep up. As cars and houses grew larger and more expensive, the costs were enormous--not only monetarily but also socially. Consumers spent more time at work and less time with their family and friends; they saved less money and borrowed more. In this book, Robert Frank presents the first comprehensive and accessible account of these financial choices. Frank uses scientific evidence to demonstrate how these spending patterns have not made us happier or healthier. Luxury Fever offers an exit from the rat race, suggesting ways to curb the culture of excess and restore true value to our lives'--Publisher description