"The Astors" is a catalogue of achievement, influence and scandal among the world's elite, assembled from archive sources in two continents. The Astors originated in Germany. They became millionaires in America. They exercised political and social leadership there and in Britain. The Astor family have left their mark on history as well as on the landscapes in which they lived and they personify two centuries of changing Anglo-American relations. Astors were seldom strangers to controversy: John Jacob I, a poor immigrant, became the richest man in America and adviser to presidents; the introverted eccentric, William Waldorf, created the splendours of Cliveden and Hever Castle; Nancy became the first female MP; Bill, 3rd Viscount, was involved in the Profumo scandal, the truth of which is told here, thanks to access to hitherto secret papers.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
An absorbing if occasionally exculpatory chronicle of the moneyed Anglo-American clan whose founding father and scions made frequently problematic names for themselves on both sides of the Atlantic. Wilson (Rothschild, 1988, etc.) gained the cooperation of many living family members--and seems to have used his access to burnish the tarnished reputations of Astors from the contemporary era. While the author is at pains to put the best possible face, for example, on the second Viscount's role as host to the so-called Cliveden Set (a motley crew of intellectuals best remembered for supporting appeasement prior to WW II) and on his eldest son's involvement in the Profumo sex/espionage scandal, he's more judicious on the subject of their forebears. At the outset, Wilson traces John Jacob Astor's departure from Germany and his 1783 arrival in the US, where he amassed a fortune in the fur and China trades that he increased with shrewd investments in Manhattan real estate. Although John Jacob's descendants failed to surpass his accomplishments, many made their marks, and Wilson does a generally good job of tracking the dynasty's UK and US heirs as they pursued additional wealth, philanthropy, political causes, social status, or pleasure. Other notable members of the Astor line (by birth or marriage) include the American cousins who built several of Manhattan's landmark hotels (the Waldorf-Astoria, etc.); Caroline (of 400 fame); Nancy (the first woman elected to Parliament); Vincent (a one-time owner of Newsweek whose widow, Brooke, is still going strong); and influential publishers (of The Observer and The Times of London). Today, the house of Astor has by no means fallen, but Wilson leaves little doubt that the family's socioeconomic position isn't what it once was. A first-class version of a saga that bears retelling, though somewhat flawed by the author's transparent efforts to explain away the errancies of latter-day Astors. (Sixteen pages of illustrations, plus family trees dating back to 1620) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
A seasoned biographer paints a richly hued portrait of the perennially fascinating Astor clan. Commencing with John Jacob Astor's immigration to America in 1783 and the subsequent establishment of his vast commercial empire, Wilson, the author of the best-selling Rothschild: A Story of Wealth and Power, traces the evolution of this powerful international dynasty during the course of two centuries. At his death in 1848, John Jacob Astor was the wealthiest man in America, and succeeding generations of Astors inevitably exerted tremendous influence upon the political, cultural, and social landscape of two continents. When William Waldorf Astor moved to England in 1891, a potent transatlantic link was forged between the British and American branches of the family. Though the Astors have suffered their share of contemporary scandals--including Bill Astor's pathetic disgrace in the Profumo affair--Wilson's treatment is even-handed and never sensationalized. A compelling historical chronicle of a complex and consequential family. Margaret Flanagan
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 6.37
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Hardback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR003984083
Quantity: 8 available
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. 1st. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 5006950-6
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Viking Book, Glenwood, MN, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. First Edition. Book has no no wear. Dust jacket only extremely light wear. Pages totally clean. Binding is solid and square. Very nice copy. Seller Inventory # 028987
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, United Kingdom
Condition: VeryGood. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. Seller Inventory # wbs1341241488
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, United Kingdom
Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. Seller Inventory # wbs9829995338
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9780297812616
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: West Coast Bookseller, Moorpark, CA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: As New. Book is like new.Dust jacket in mylar protective cover has some shelf wear. Seller Inventory # L9-223b
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Bahamut Media, Reading, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780297812616
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: LEFT COAST BOOKS, Santa Barbara, CA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st. Cloth, xix, 439 pages, illustrations; 24 cm. Firm binding, clean inside copy. Expected browning. Dust jacket with light edgewear. "It appears that the Astor family has its origins in the small Italian town of Chiavenna which is close to the Swiss border. In 1620 Giovan Pietro Astor moved to Zurich and changed his name to Hans Peter Astor. A great-grandson, Felix Astor moved the family to Walldorf south of Heidleberg in 1713. In 1778, John Jacob Astor moved from Walldorf to England where he went into business making musical instruments with an older brother. In 1783 John Jacob Astor immigrated to America. He went into the fur trade and eventually became one of America's first millionaires. John Jacob married Sarah Todd and they were the parents of seven children, one of whom, William Backhouse Astor (1792-1875) became the founder of Astor dynasties in both America and England. Descendants live in both the United States and Great Britain." - Publisher. Size: 8vo. Seller Inventory # 121818
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Brit Books, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Used; Very Good. ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 3815322
Quantity: 1 available