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Vanderbilt: the very name signifies wealth. The family patriarch, "the Commodore," built up a fortune that made him the world's richest man by 1877. Yet, less than fifty years after the Commodore's death, one of his direct descendants died penniless, and no Vanderbilt was counted among the world's richest people. Fortune's Children tells the dramatic story of all the amazingly colorful spenders who dissipated such a vast inheritance.
Vanderbilt: the very name signifies wealth. The family patriarch, "the Commodore, " built up a fortune that made him the world's richest man by 1877. Yet, less than fifty years after the Commodore's death, one of his direct descendants died penniless, and no Vanderbilt was counted among the world's richest people. Fortune's Children tells the dramatic story of all the amazingly colorful spenders who dissipated such a vast inheritance. 32 pages of photographs.
Anonymous
Posted Sat Feb 15 00:00:00 EST 2014
It is said the rich are different--and the Vanderbilt's were certainly different. This fascinating book takes the reader from the creation of unbelievable wealth on Staten Island to Marble House and the Breakers in Newport. Conspicuious consumption was the by-word of this family--until the money was all gone. Jewels, parties costing a quarter of a million dollars--you will not believe how these people lived during the "Golden Age" at the turn of the 20th Century. I enjoyed this book very much and I recommend it to anyone interested in this part of American history.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sat May 15 00:00:00 EDT 2010
I found this book to be a great read. Good timeline of the family and the times they lived in. Also liked the interspersing of other key characters of the era. Very entertaining book without getting too deep and dull into the family history. Would recommend for anyone who likes a light read.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Apr 16 00:00:00 EDT 2013
1 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Aug 09 00:00:00 EDT 2001
Uncredible story of how the Vanderbilt fortune was made and then how the decendents of Commadore Vanderbilt blew the world's largest fortune. You wouldn't believe it if it were a novel.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Lovely-Linda
Posted Tue Jul 15 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I thought this was wonderfuly written, very informative and a great read!! Great insight into the Gilded age!! Loved it the whole way through!!! Now want to read more about this era....
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sat Apr 26 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I bought the book but its only giving me the free sample?
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun May 19 00:00:00 EDT 2013
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Posted Wed Mar 30 00:00:00 EDT 2011
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Overview
Vanderbilt: the very name signifies wealth. The family patriarch, "the Commodore," built up a fortune that made him the world's richest man by 1877. Yet, less than fifty years after the Commodore's death, one of his direct descendants died penniless, and no Vanderbilt was counted among the world's richest people. Fortune's Children tells the dramatic story of all the amazingly colorful spenders who dissipated such a vast inheritance.
Vanderbilt: the very name ...