If Russians with even modest earnings complied with the law, the tax collector took well over half of their incremental income.

FORBES: The Wealth Of The States Vs. 'New Normal' Stagnation

Patrick Cranley, a Shanghai public-relations executive and well-known collector of Shanghai Deco furniture.

WSJ: Decorating in Deco

He was an avid collector of Renaissance prints as well as the work of his then little-known friend, William Blake.

ECONOMIST: Literary history: Murderous man | The

He was a yachtsman and huntsman as well as a collector.

WSJ: Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Gainsborough: The Treasures of Kenwood House, London | Museum of Fine Arts, Houston | Status Symbols | by Willard Spiegelman

Professor Khalili is an entrepreneur as well as a scholar, collector and philanthropist of international standing.

UNESCO: Detailview | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

The gift was established by a major gift given Syracuse by Robert Menschel, a Syracuse graduate, who made his fortune at Goldman Sachs and is a well-known New York philanthropist and art collector.

FORBES: Volcker Warns "No Buoyant Activity" In Global Economy

"Our cabdriver didn't do too well, " said Don Rubell, a prominent Miami collector.

WSJ: Mark Ruffalo Appears, and Paul McCarthy and Donald Judd Sell at New York's Frieze Art Fair

But two themes get particular attention this time: how to live well for less and how to keep what you have earned from the tax collector.

FORBES: 2001 Investment Guide