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lola1229's review against another edition
3.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️. The last chapter (about the lawsuit) was entirely unnecessary; but the rest of the book was well-written and entertaining.
stephanie_di's review
2.0
It took me over a year to finish this book, which should tell you everything you need to know. Because it’s historical nonfiction, I felt compelled to finish it the way one feels compelled to finish a homework assignment. Basically the Astors were rich but cranky people who built some fancy buildings in New York City, exploited immigrants in their tenements on the Lower East Side, and then all pretty much moved to England where they were snobby and eccentric. Not really a great American story at all, which was kind of a letdown. I wish there had been more about Brooke Astor. She wasn’t born an Astor but there are probably some interesting stories there (especially about her final days) that the author chose to leave out. I think that would have spiced up the book at the end.
If you're going to read about America's robber barons, skip the Astors and read about the Vanderbilts. They're much more fun.
If you're going to read about America's robber barons, skip the Astors and read about the Vanderbilts. They're much more fun.
circe813's review
3.0
Interesting overview of the lives of the Astors. Somewhat outdated, though, given that Brooke Astor died a few years back. Good companion piece to "The Last Mrs. Astor," but definitely written with a bias--the author seems to giggle at the ruthless decisions made by the Astors over the years, and views them in an entirely favorable light that others might disagree with.
anareadsbooks's review
3.0
I am fascinated by the lives of the great aristocrats of early America. This book met all the goals it set out achieve. It went through the lives of the Astor family, discussed the trials and tribulations of the Astor and the Waldorf's and it covered all the important points. Where I found it lacking was the illustrations and in a certain way it was very dry. Sort of listening to a monotone speaker. I didn't get any sort of feeling from the author. I would have given it 3.5 stars as I do believe the. Ok delivered on the promise to guide the reader through the times and lives of this very interesting family.
I'd recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by this family and the architecture associated with them.
I'd recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by this family and the architecture associated with them.
babiafi's review
4.0
Really interesting overview of the Astor family, and the impact they had on their peers and surroundings. I particularly enjoyed the section on Mrs Astor and how she was able to make or break people's society aspirations with her '400'. My only quibble is that later chapters feel a little confusing at times, what with all the extra Astors in the mix and the jumps in chronology.
Still, a very enjoyable read!
Still, a very enjoyable read!
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