The Ruling Class

Many sociologists deny there is a ruling class. Paul Fussell says there is one—but it is “top out of sight.” Albert Gore, George Bush, Robert Dole, and Richard Gephardt accused each other of belonging to it but wouldn’t be caught dead in it. Donald Trump and Lee Iacocca revel in it. What can a poor boy do?

Two very agitated authors offer to guide us to the truth. Lewis Lapham is a semidelinquent scion of the old elite. He has visited the famed Bohemian Grove and rub...