Katherine Howe (1) (1977–)

A history of the famous Astor clan who were probably the first super rich family of America, and indeed the richest in the world at the time. Amazingly the fortune made from initially beaver pelts, then rolled over into real estate and in particular the operations of a slum lord in New York City. So if your looking for the exploitation angle of capitalism, there you have it.

Anderson Cooper does a commendable job in thoroughly researching the family through the ages and delivering a very readable and entertaining narrative. He fills us in on many of the subplots and intrigues that are in many, the stories remarkable and even astounding. Lots of trivial items in historical frame of New York as well. Being of his persuasion he goes into some detail on the gay scene at the Astor Hotel bar in the 40's and 50's, devoting an entire chapter to the rules and regulations imposed at the time.

And alas they say all things come to an end. And in the scenario of mega-wealthy and associated families, just a limited number of generations, often termed shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves. Not much different for the Astors. It seems that the accumulation of the immense wealth cannot be sustained down the line as the inheritors talent is in having and spending it, not generating.

Of course we have our super wealthy with us today, Bezos and Musk come to mind. Once again the innovators that will send the riches down the line to their own inheritors and if true to form these folks will be the subject of a similar book in the future.… (mere)

Conversion by Katherine Howe is a return to the style she used in The Physik Book of Deliverance Dane, a novel which I love. Conversion is a young adult novel which blends a retelling of The Crucible, the real history of the Salem Witch Panic, and a touch of high school drama. The Story is told through Ann Putnam, one of the accusers during the Panic, and Colleen Rowley, A modern teenager in her senior Year of high School in Danvers. The voices alternate between the Colleen and the trials of a girl trying to get into the college of her Choice, with interjections from the past with Ann making her confession about her role during the trials. The way this is done the reader can see the ultimate connections Howe is heading towards, without prior Knowledge of the Crucible or more than a passing knowledge of the history of the Salem Witch Trials.

There is enough of the teenage drama to make the comparison to the historical period, but not too much that people who easily tire of the drama will be turned off by it. The book is well written and was more enjoyable for me than Howe’s last book, which was a straight historical fiction, and not the dual time line I enjoyed so much. I would definitely recommend this book, especially to someone who wants something related to witch trials, and not heavy in the fantasy aspect.… (mere)

In early 2023, I read Anderson Cooper’s book, Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty, because I am ever so curious about the Vanderbilt family. My interest in the Vanderbilts was planted during my childhood, with the very first time I visited Biltmore Estates in Asheville, North Carolina. My cousin saw my review of this book and immediately recommended I watch the television series, The Gilded Age, on HBO Max. I quickly found the show and had to restrain myself from binge watching the entire first season. I fell in love with the characters, beautiful mansions, amazing wardrobes, and tantalizing story line. I have now seen the first two seasons of the show, and anxiously anticipate another season. One of the characters in the show is Caroline Astor, “The Mrs. Astor.” Her role in the show is quite interesting, so when I learned Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe had written a book about the famous Astor family, I was excited to read it. The trailer for season one of The Gilded Age is below for your entertainment. (Please see link below.)

Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune is perfectly written and excellently researched. Anderson’s family status provided him opportunities to interact with some of these legendary descendants. For instance, he opens the book with a personal story about some of his interactions with Booke Astor, “The Last Mrs. Astor.” Anderson then takes readers all the way back to the very beginning of the legendary Astor family, with the immigration of John Jacob Astor to the United States from Germany in 1783. Mr. Astor made his family fortune with beaver trapping to sell the furs. His entrepreneurial mindset evolved into Manhattan real estate. Anderson follows the Astor family tree, illustrating members of each generation for their contributions or strains on the family legacy. Every chapter was stimulating. Some of my favorite Astors discussed in the book are Caroline Astor, John Jacob Astor of the Titanic, Brooke Astor, and her son Anthony Marshall. As with most, if not all families, there are surprising and shocking details revealed. The history is captivating.

Anderson writes with such authenticity and appropriately placed humor, which makes the story engaging and fascinating. In closing the book, he talked about how the Astor heritage continues to have a presence today’s society, and in locations such as the New York Public Library. I appreciate how Anderson identified that our current culture is not that different from the Gilded Age. We still have extremely wealthy people influencing our societies and spending their money extravagantly, while the rest of us stand by as observers. As I neared the end of the book, I felt such sadness for the Astor family and their struggles, especially for Brooke Astor. The ending of the Astor line is depressing and heartbreaking.

I purchased Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune with my Audible membership. Listening to Anderson Cooper narrate made for an outstanding listening experience.

I have photos, videos, and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog… (mere)