Inside the Lifestyles of the Rich and Tasteful

Andrew West

In this book, journalist and author Andrew West exposes the great Australian myth of egalitarianism by going inside the class that dare not speak its name - the upper middle class. With wry humour and cutting irony, West observes the customs, the privileges, the spending and preoccupations of Australia’s well-to-do. West finds an upper middle class riven down the middle between those driven by money and those obsessed with cultural attainments. He writes of a new elite class conflict that secretly shapes Australian politics: the Materialists versus the Culturalists.

This book is the first in the new series NOW Australia - new journalism about contemporary issues - by leading journalists and writers - published 5 times a year.

'What makes West's book so engaging is that it takes Australia's upper middle class and reveals the hidden code and cultural touchstones between its subgroups. His detailed observations are candid and thoughtful. From education and the latte courtyard for girls at one of Sydney's progressive private girl's schools to his treatise that wine is the new book among materialists, his writing is a pleasure to read.'  Meredith Irish, Courier Mail, Brisbane.

Buy Now for $17.95 plus $2.00 postage.

To find out more about this book, read an extract and learn more about upcoming Now Australia titles, visit the Now Australia website at nowaustralia.com.au


1 86403 337 1| PB | 128pp |  Release September 2006 | $17.95 | Australian Society