ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am indebted to the Wall Street Journal for giving me the tools and time to write this book. Ever since I started the wealth beat in 2004, my editors have shown extraordinary support in my efforts to chronicle the lives and culture of the new rich. They have been especially tolerant of my book writing and blogging habits. In particular, I am grateful to Robert Thomson, Mike Miller, Rebecca Blumenstein, Alan Murray, and Ken Brown, as well as my former Journal editors Nik Deogun and Jared Sandberg, for their help in securing a book leave and allowing me to return to my beat—arguably the best in all of journalism. Ken was especially kind in allowing me to extend my leave.

Thanks to my editor Francesco Guerrera and all my hardworking colleagues in Blogger’s Cove for making the Journal a genuinely fun place to be.

John Mahaney and Tina Constable have made Crown a nurturing home for my books and ideas. A special thanks to John for his fast and insightful edits and for his gentle persistence in keeping me on deadline. Richard Pine is that rarest of agents, a dedicated advocate who also takes the long view.

Annik La Farge, one of the wisest and most generous souls in publishing, has repeatedly led me out of the woods while writing this book. On days when I felt stuck, Annik would cheer me up over croissants and tea at Bergamote and show me the way forward. Her comments and edits have vastly improved this book. Let’s keep saving for that boat!

Eric Anderson is one of the best journalists I know, even if he’s not officially in journalism. His story ideas, commitment to facts, and meticulous edits have proved invaluable to me. I am lucky to count him as a friend.

The wealthy subjects of this book have given me the one thing that their money can never buy: time. A special thanks to Jack Warner, Tim and Edra Blixseth, Jackie and David Siegel, Frank and Susan Kavanaugh, Mary Patrick, John McAfee, Leonard Stern, Brian and Basil Maher, and Donald Rubin for spending hours and hours answering my questions. Thanks to Ken Cage for letting me tag along for two days of repossessing planes and boats. Anthony Harris and Lloyd White have been gracious and generous in the way that only a butler can be. I admire your service hearts.

For their insights into wealth, I am continually indebted to Stephen Martiros, Peter Scaturro, Frances Aldrich Sevilla-Secasa, Keith Whitaker, George Walper, Russ Prince, and Maria Elena-Lagomasino.

Researchers Esme Deprez and Erin Geiger Smith unearthed articles, references, and data that I never could have found on my own.

To all my friends, I apologize for my long absences and unanswered e-mails over the past year. To Adam and Jen, Larry and Vicki, Jesse and Sarah, Dave Rothman, Chris, and Brad, thanks for sticking with me. David Gilmour has taught me what it means to be a true entrepreneur, and his energy, elegance, and ideas remain—for me—a model of enlightened wealth.

Perk Hixon and Marguerite Lee have been gracious guides and mentors since the day I started the wealth beat. We look forward to that rarest of Manhattan bonds: friends who are also building neighbors.

Betty and her fellow Sundowners remain among my most loyal supporters.

To Dad and Kathi, who raised me to care more about ideas than money, I am forever grateful. Most of all, I am indebted to my wife, Rebecca, without whom I could never have done this book. She gave up her weekends and vacations for a year and a half so I could write—all while juggling her own sixty-hour-a-week job, two kids, and multiple side duties. Through it all she remains the picture of beauty, grace, and intelligence.

My daughters, Amelia and Elana, have encouraged me every day by asking, “Is the book done yet?” Yes, girls, the book is done.