The question of economic class is as important to American society today as it has been since ancient Greek and Roman times, argues Ornstein (education, St. Johns U.). He describes the role of class in American history and connects it to contending political philosophies from the differences between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton to the present day. He also describes the effects of class on educational opportunities and later life courses and argues that increasing class inequality threatens American democracy. He concludes with recommendations on how reduce class inequality and how to reconnect American politics to pocketbook issues. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)