Really well researched book on the history of the Vanderbilt family and all their clique in the gilded ages’ “400 Club.” The good life of millionaires back in the gay 90s (late 1800s) through today. A look behind the façade to see the real struggles and tragedies that even rich people have to endure. Money really can’t buy everything (health, love, happiness, endless wealth, etc.), but it can buy a lot of property and the largest home ever built in the United States, the Biltmore Estate or Castle as it was known. It really does look a lot like a Castle with a lot of French architectural accoutrements. Really enjoyable history of the “Castle,” and life among the American upper crust at the turn of the century in their heydays before the stock market crash then everyone’s changed life after 1929. The Great Gatsby life so ostentatious! A good look at the people behind the names and the love that went into the creating of Biltmore, the rise of the town of Asheville’s esteem with the influx of all the illustrious vistors, guests, tourists and the media hype of a hollywood legend. A glimpse at the kindness behind the glamour of the Vanderbilt women who were great benefactors of the local poor and not just by donating money but by getting to know the people, visiting, having them over and sharing their prosperity with those less fortunate. And I leaned that George Vanderbilt was way ahead of his time in preserving the reforestation of trees and botanicals. A good look into the personalities we often hear about but never really get to know much about. Very good read especially for those who enjoy reading about celebrities, love reading about history because there is a lot of historical information along with the genealogical. Good read.
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