Fortune's Children by Arthur T. Vanderbilt 2nd Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Fortune's Children
Book Review: A true story with good lessons about the power of wealth and greed
Summary: 5 Stars
I thought this was a very interesting and fascinating read. If you've ever wished you were filthy rich this is excellent food for thought to make you think twice. It was amazing to see how they blew through money and were so totally without conscience regarding what that money made them like. I was never one to be what I'd call money hungry but after this I never really cared to have more than I need. If I was to fall into a lot of money I might read this again just to remind me of where I want to steer far and clear from. It was a good memorable book.Book Review: All you wanted to know about the Vanderbilts-and more!
Summary: 5 Stars
What can I say? This book is truly fabulous. Even if you are not interested in the Vanderbilt family, you must read this book! It just shows how truth is stranger than fiction. The cast of characters in this book includes: Cornelius Vanderbilt, his son William Henry, the famous Alva Vanderbilt (who practically sells her daughter to an broke English lord for marriage) to Gloria Vanderbilt as a little child getting fought over. These are just some of the interesting people you will meeet in this book. I would give it ten stars, if I could!Book Review: Compelling
Summary: 5 Stars
Since the book was written by a Vanderbilt, I dubiously expected a sanitized version and was delightfully surpised to find the author was brutally honest about the characters covered. This book was engrossing. I could not put it down. The portion about the Gloria Vanderbilt custody case was particularly engaging - what a piece of work the maternal grandmother was. But the book as a whole was a gem - I devoured every page and was sad to see it end.
I do agree with the previous reviewer who said a genealogical tree would have helped to refer to when reading about the characters and keeping track of how they were all related to each other, especially since the family was so fecund and so many of the men had similiar names. I think it also interesting the author does not mention precisely which branch of the family he is descended from. So perhaps he is trying to maintain some of his own identity. But all in all, this excellent read has whetted my desire to read more about the Vanderbilts, as well as other East Coast aristocratic families.
Book Review: Couldn't put it down!
Summary: 4 Stars
I visited the Biltmore Estate this summer and became interested in the Vanderbilt family. This book was very interesting and I learned a lot of very interesting information about the family. Also learned by reading this book that money doesn't buy you happiness!Book Review: Dynasty and Dallas a hundred years ago
Summary: 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book...I have read it from front to back numerous times, and always chuckle through out the reading of it.It is so well written,not like some boring history book, but more like a comical novel.It was easy reading,and it is hard to put down, once you start.I read it each time I'm heading to Newport, Rhode Island.It helps me appreciate the Vanderbilt Palaces more,knowing the personal family stories that took place behind the Gilded Gates.It reads more like a storyline from The TV shows Dynasty and Dallas.Again, this book is great reading.