Based on two highly acclaimed PBS documentaries watched by 10 million viewers, Affluenza uses the whimsical metaphor of a disease to tackle a very serious subject: the damage done ? to our health, our families, our communities, and our environment ? by the obsessive quest for material gain. In cleverly titled chapters like "Swollen Expectations" and "A Rash of Bankruptcies," the authors examine the origins, evolution, and symptoms of the affluenza epidemic. Yet they also explore cures and suggest strategies for rebuilding families and communities and for restoring and respecting the earth. Demonstrating that now, more than ever, Americans need ways of fighting the affliction, this edition includes a new introduction and updated figures, adds information on the impacts of stress and overwork, and provides an in-depth look at various campaigns and movements offering solutions for today's problems. Engaging, fast-paced, and accessible, it reexamines a serious, far-reaching issue for a wide audience.

In this indictment of consumerism, de Graaf et al. treat the social problem they call "affluenza" like a disease, discussing symptoms, treatment, and causes for this "painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more." Individual, social, and environmental effects, historical causes, and solutions are detailed. The book is based on the TV documentary of the same name that aired in 1997, followed by Escape from Affluenza in 1998. The new edition has been updated and includes a study guide. De Graaf is a public television documentary producer, Wann is a writer, and Naylor is a professor of economics at Duke University. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

In chapters with titles like "Swollen Expectations" and "A Rash of Bankruptcies, " "Affluenza" uses the whimsical metaphor of a disease to tackle a very serious subject: the damage done--to our health, our families, our communities, and our environment--by the obsessive quest for material gain.