First Four Hundred : New York and the Gilded Age

by Jerry E. Patterson

Period photographs complement an entertaining, anecdotal history of New York's elite society during the Gilded Age as it captures the activities and exploits of such luminaries as the Vanderbilts, Grants, Whitneys, and Morgans.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

247 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots and lots and lots of names in this book. So many names. And most of them just different combinations of the same names - Stuyvesant, Astor, Vanderbilt, Ward, Chanler, Shermerhorn, Fish. Charlotte, Caroline, Minnie, John, Peter. I couldn't keep them all straight, so although I think I probably learned a few new things about the customs and social hierarchies of Gilded Age New York, I'm not actually sure I remember any of what I learned, so what good is it? Oh, I did learn that the Dutch were in power in New Amsterdam for just 40 years. I would have thought it was longer. There were some great photos of grand homes and elaborate dresses which I really enjoyed.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this book without fully understanding its purpose. Organized topically, it gives something of a partial view of the Gilded Age. I really enjoyed the photographs, but this book is not comprehensive enough to merit a higher rating.