How to Get Rich the American Way is based on years of in-depth research by a contrarian academic who become rich himself while developing the book's theories, learning the history of real estate investing, stock trading, get-rich-quick schemes, and financial gurus. From Nigerian prince scams to the investment manuals of housewives, from the destruction of African Americans' savings in the Freedman's Bank to the surprisingly long history of failing to teach children about money, and from the wit of Benjamin Franklin to the fraud of $0 down real estate infomercials, How to Get Rich the American Way brings an eclectic set of stories to bear on the financial destinies of everyday people. Each chapter includes anecdotes from the author's economic journey, including tales of wild investment ideas, get-rich-quick seminars, and his decade long-quest to apply the lessons of history to his own finances. By the end, to his own very great surprise, he is now a multi-millionaire. Accessibly written with short, punchy chapters, the book is a thoughtful, realistic, and ultimately encouraging read on the prospects of getting by and getting ahead.