Ebook: In cheap we trust : the story of a misunderstood American virtue

Considers our hot-and-cold relationship with thrift and offers a colorful ride through its history in America, from Ben Franklin and his famous maxims to the branding of Jews and the Chinese as cheap in order to neutralize the economic competition they represented. 'The crowd approved the doctrine, and immediately practiced the contrary' -- A nation of savers -- 'What use can a woman have for arithmetic?' -- Cheap Jews and thrifty Chinese -- 'Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without' -- Lively golf balls and two-Ford freedom : the postwar years -- Spendthrift nation -- Eco-cheap -- Living cheap in the age of mass consumption -- Cheapskate psychology -- Conclusion