Rich Man, Poor Man is a novel written by Irwin Shaw. In 1976 it was adapted into a highly-rated 1976 television miniseries which spawned a trend on American TV that lasted for the next fifteen years. The success of a best-selling novel turned into said miniseries be traced to adaptations (to name only a few) of Roots, North and South, Space, and Lonesome Dove.

Originally published as a short story in Playboy Magazine, it became an international bestseller when published as a novel. The central theme of the novel is the relationship between two brothers, Tom and Rudy Jordache. Tom Jordache is constantly in trouble, quitting high school, getting into fights, being in trouble with the law, and leading a very blue-collar life. In contrast, Rudy Jordache is the perfect son, the perfect student, and the perfect businessman. He reaches the pinnacle of success in everything he does. The plot spans twenty years from the end of World War II through the mid-1960s.

Central theme is about two children's lives and the different paths they take in life. Rudy was the perfect son but at what cost to his true self. Tom was a so-called misfit but develops true understanding of life through a tough road. Each child represents the differences each person can interpret with the same upbringing. Both parents are to blame for their immediate branding of each child and the outcome of their lives.

The title of the novel, as well as that of its sequel, is taken from a popular children's jump rope game:

Gypsy, Gypsy please tell me

What my fortune's going to be

Rich-man, Poor-man, Beggar-man, Thief

Doc-tor, Law-yer, In-di-an Chief

Tink-er, Tail-or

Cow-boy, Sail-or

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