Which Writers Do the Wealthy Read: A Look Beyond Jane Austen and Shakespeare

The question of which writers wealthy people read may not be as straightforward as one might imagine. While classics like Jane Austen and William Shakespeare remain beloved by many, the tastes of the affluent can span far beyond these familiar names.

Context and Contradiction

Many people assume that the wealthy have specific authors or literary tastes that set them apart. However, this isn't necessarily the case. People, whether rich or poor, tend to read what they enjoy. The notion that the wealthy form a homogeneous literary reading group is often a misconception.

Understanding Wealthy Reading Tastes

It's essential to reframe the concept of 'wealthy people' as a broad and diverse demographic. While some wealthy individuals might have access to more leisure time, many are equally focused on business and career growth. Conversely, individuals with refined literary tastes might be too immersed in their pursuits to systematically build up a collection of 'luxury' authors.

For those wealthy enough to have significant leisure time, such as those with 'old money' and families to take care of them, their reading habits can be quite similar to those of any culture enthusiast, but with a twist. They may choose to entertain themselves in foreign languages, primarily to maintain a certain social status and to expand their intellectual horizons.

Favorite Authors Among the Wealthy

Foreign Novels

Russian Literature: The works of renowned authors such as Alexander Pushkin and Fyodor Dostoevsky are particularly favored. Eugene Onegin by Pushkin, for instance, has a rich operatic adaptation, presenting a slice of elite life above the law. Tragedy and the Elite: Books like Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky resonate with wealthy readers because tragedy can be a part of their lives, making it less of an escape and more of a way to understand the complexities of existence.

British Literature

The Bloomsbury Group: Novels like Short Stories by Katherine Mansfield and To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf capture the refined, delicate tastes of the upper class, including the lethargic pace of their lives and the subtle, restrained language that complements their lifestyle.

French Literature

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert is a critique of the socially aspiring middle class, mocking their unrealistic shopping habits and dreams of a better life. This literature can serve as a reflection of the wealthier class, who are often more detached from such aspirations.

American Literature

American authors whose works delve into violence and grit also find a place in the literary tastes of the wealthy. Books like Moby Dick by Herman Melville offer a harsh and intense narrative of life at sea, blending psychological depth with maritime adventure. Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley showcases the wealth and comforts of the upper class, but doesn’t shy away from darker themes and violent undercurrents, mirroring the reality of some parts of the elite world.

Conclusion

While it's easy to fall into the stereotype of wealthy people having a specific set of favorite authors, the reality is much more nuanced. The tastes of the wealthy are as varied as those of any other group, influenced by their individual interests, backgrounds, and experiences. For some, foreign literature, a refined taste for subtle language, and a critical yet elegant portrayal of society are all part of their literary diet.