The author's "eye for sensual detail allows her to recreate vividly the opulent world of French Regency society," Diana B. Henriques wrote here in 2000.

But the Russia in the air today is of a more opulent post-Soviet world, peopled by entrepreneurial businessmen, ambitious socialites, emerging artists and exotic beauties.

"While she may prefer a world in which less is more," he said, "she can still create an opulent and gooey world that is appropriate for someone unlike her."

Viewers are granted a glimpse into their opulent real worlds.

Drawn by the planet's temperate weather and verdant beauty, Ildirans had developed Hyrillka into an opulent, peaceful world.

In particular, we see them entering the opulent world of Merdle, a fraudulent company promoter whose eventual crash drags down thousands of investors with him (Clennam among them).

And struck with a sudden small melancholy, she realized how much she'd missed of simple happiness in her opulent world.

The artist's unabashed love of the rich, reflective textures can make this condemnation of an opulent world seem like a stamp of approval.

The Pinnocks' economic plight is pointedly contrasted with the opulent world of Thaddeus Thomas (Harry Belafonte), the well-heeled businessman who inadvertently caused Louis to be fired.

The work was only part of the opulent world he had built for himself.