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NOON AT TIFFANY'S
IN THE SUMMER OF 1888, Clara Wolcott, a daring young artist from Ohio, walked into Louis Tiffany's Manhattan office to interview for a job as a designer. For the next 21 years, her pivotal role in his multi-million dollar empire remained one of Tiffany's most closely guarded secrets—a secret that when revealed 118 years later sent the international art world into a tailspin. Torn between his obsession with Clara and his lust for success, Tiffany resorts to desperate measures to keep her creative genius under his command. Clara cleverly navigates both her turbulent love-hate relationship with Tiffany and the rigid rules of Victorian and Edwardian societies, in order to embrace all the adventure and romance turn-of-the-century New York City has to offer. Basing her story on a recently discovered cache of letters written between 1888 and 1944, New York Times bestselling author Echo Heron artfully blends fact with fiction to draw the reader into the remarkable life of one of America's most prolific and extraordinary women Clara Wolcott Driscoll, the hidden genius behind the iconic Tiffany lamps.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2012
51 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 14, 2013
I wasn't sure what to think when I started this book since I have read only a few historical novels. I was immediately drawn into the conversation between the characters and especially loved the very well written dialogue scenes. Years ago, I purchased a Tiffany style lamp and loved it and the eclectic spirit it brought to my bedroom that had a very contemporary bedroom set. Thus, I found it fascinating to get the history behind the lamps and sadly, not surprised to find out the design was by a woman, Clara and executed through the hard work of a group of women at Tiffany's. The strongest characters in the book were Clara Driscoll and Louis Tiffany. I felt like they were consistently portrayed and fully developed. I didn't really feel like I got to know the personalities of the other characters as well, except through Clara's lens. I really felt that her voice was authentic. I could see why men were both attracted and scared by her strength.
The deaths of the some of the characters were understandable at the time, yet I did not know if the abrupt nature by which they were revealed was done in that matter intentionally to have a small shock value. As a result, I found the flow of reading the book a bit bumpy at times and was not always prepared for the transitions in location, story line or point of view. Toward the middle, the rhythm and pace seems sluggish at times and some of the stories did not really seem to contribute to the plot...interesting stories but could have made the book a more engaging read if not included. Yet, I did learn about what was going on in their lives through the round robin letters and how Clara made a family for herself with those with whom she lived at the boarding house. It was also interesting to know the salaries earned at the time by the women compared to men and the cost of living. I especially enjoyed the book when there was some tension either between her group and the union men or in her relationship with Phillip; it seemed to move the story along. Overall, it is a very good story and I am glad that I persevered to the end. I was driven to know what happened to Clara. Now I am eager to look up more information about Tiffany company and the creation of the lamps to realize the full creativity of this author in writing this historical fiction. This is definitely a book I would recommend.
The deaths of the some of the characters were understandable at the time, yet I did not know if the abrupt nature by which they were revealed was done in that matter intentionally to have a small shock value. As a result, I found the flow of reading the book a bit bumpy at times and was not always prepared for the transitions in location, story line or point of view. Toward the middle, the rhythm and pace seems sluggish at times and some of the stories did not really seem to contribute to the plot...interesting stories but could have made the book a more engaging read if not included. Yet, I did learn about what was going on in their lives through the round robin letters and how Clara made a family for herself with those with whom she lived at the boarding house. It was also interesting to know the salaries earned at the time by the women compared to men and the cost of living. I especially enjoyed the book when there was some tension either between her group and the union men or in her relationship with Phillip; it seemed to move the story along. Overall, it is a very good story and I am glad that I persevered to the end. I was driven to know what happened to Clara. Now I am eager to look up more information about Tiffany company and the creation of the lamps to realize the full creativity of this author in writing this historical fiction. This is definitely a book I would recommend.
December 26, 2012
This is a wonderful book that I recommend highly to those interested in historical fiction. It's the story of Clara Wolcott, the unrecognized true artist behind the success of the famous Tiffany Lamp. The book pulls you back into the late 1800s and early 1900s and feels like it was written back then. The language is beautiful and the descriptions are strong. Echo Heron, the book's author, has intimately researched the era and her real-life characters, filling in details or creating them where necessary and recreating persona based on personal letters and interviews with descendants. The result feels like classic literature yet involves modern issues about business ethics and workplace discrimination. The characters are all unique and the main character, Clara Wolcott, feels like I would imagine a turn-of-the-last-century woman fighting for her art and for her independence yet in a way that does not disrupt the social mores of her time.
The characters in the book are all complex and not caricatures. You will be frustrated at times by the heroine and sometimes feel sympathy or even affinity for the villain. And the supporting characters all have unique personalities that enrich the entire story. This is a book to savor.
The characters in the book are all complex and not caricatures. You will be frustrated at times by the heroine and sometimes feel sympathy or even affinity for the villain. And the supporting characters all have unique personalities that enrich the entire story. This is a book to savor.
February 27, 2013
Typically, I prefer historical fiction laced with violence and action. Noon at Tiffany's isn't like that, so I'm surprised that I enjoyed it so much. The author presents us with actual letters written by Clara and her counterparts, which added to the authenticity of the setting and characters. She skillfully fills the space in-between the letters with fictional scenes, but due to her careful research, they don't feel contrived. I was able to abandon myself to the imagination of the author, accepting the fictional parts as if they happened exactly as described. Adding to my reading pleasure was the writing itself, which flows beautifully from the page, and is of professional quality.
In the story Clara truly suffers for her art. Sometimes she's a fool for it and at other times a hero. She's forced to choose between career and family -- a dilemma people can still appreciate today. Back in her day women had to clearly choose one or the other, which made her final sacrifice that much more painful. Not knowing much about the real Clara, I didn't know which way she would go, so despite an injury to my eye, I had to keep on reading. If I go blind, we know who to blame -- ha. I give this book a high fiver.
In the story Clara truly suffers for her art. Sometimes she's a fool for it and at other times a hero. She's forced to choose between career and family -- a dilemma people can still appreciate today. Back in her day women had to clearly choose one or the other, which made her final sacrifice that much more painful. Not knowing much about the real Clara, I didn't know which way she would go, so despite an injury to my eye, I had to keep on reading. If I go blind, we know who to blame -- ha. I give this book a high fiver.
September 18, 2017
Interesting that the book was written around letters that were exchanged with the family by Clara. Want to visit the museum in Winter Park, FL
March 18, 2022
Great story! Great research! No spoilers here--you just have to read it!
February 2, 2020
Great book. Historical facts mixed into a delightful novel. I sight into the times, women's challenges and the sort that was Tiffany's. I highly recommend.
March 19, 2020
Good read!
Loved this book! Couldn’t put it down. I was unfamiliar with the history of Tiffany Glass Co. and this is beautifully written. You fall in love with Clara.
Loved this book! Couldn’t put it down. I was unfamiliar with the history of Tiffany Glass Co. and this is beautifully written. You fall in love with Clara.
March 9, 2013
I finished the book yesterday night but still have not parted with Clara. It is a nicely written book of incredible female strength, artictic talents and life twists.
The characters are very vivid, at some point you end up feelings like you knew them in person.
The pace was very nice, it was easy to read and intrigueing to know what will happen next.
I really recommend to read this book, especially to female readers :)
The characters are very vivid, at some point you end up feelings like you knew them in person.
The pace was very nice, it was easy to read and intrigueing to know what will happen next.
I really recommend to read this book, especially to female readers :)
September 25, 2016
Poledne u Tiffanyho je povedená kniha - příběh obětavé Clary, která i přes nepřízně osudu stála za svým a snášela dlouhé roky trýzně Tiffanyho. Místy bych knihu možná poškrtala a některé události možná i vynechala, jinak to bylo ale super (o trochu rozvláčnější než třeba Mata Hari). Rozhodně si přečtu i další knihy ze série beletrizovaných životopisů.
3.5/5*
3.5/5*
January 20, 2021
A Jane-Austenesque novel, only it is based on an achingly beautiful, touching, true story. The story was largely based on the Round Robin letters Clara Wolcott Driscoll Booth and her family (and some friends) wrote during the 1980's and early 1900's.
The book brought to life an ingenious artist, Clara Wolcott, who worked fervently and tirelessly for 20 years, and single-handedly (I don't know if this part is true) made Tiffany glass a world-famous brand for its intricate and artistic designs of stained glass window and lamps.
Clara's life story beyond the stained glass was also fascinating. She was the oldest of four girls in a family. Her father died when she was a teenager. Her mother, under the constant threat of poverty, encouraged the girls to get the education they need to advance in the society. Clara was a fiercely independent women. She left her family in Ohio and went to New York to seek opportunities in her pursuant of art. She was immediately offered a job by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the owner of Tiffany Glass Co., to design and made stain glass artifacts. While her talent was recognized, her struggles are mighty. She suffered men's dominion over women at work, including unequal pay and status, Tiffany's tyrannical management style and shameless insistence in putting his name on her work, and distrust by management as well as workers in the men's department. She persevered by her dedication to art and work and her genuine affection for people and eventually led a group of girls dubbed as Tiffany Girls to the creation and making of the most-famed Tiffany glass products such as the daffodil and dragon fly lamps.
Clara's personal life, even at an age when a married woman could not work, was rich and colorful because of her close ties with her family and friends. For a long time, she valued her artistry and name as an artist above all else, but ultimately chose to live a life free of those exploiting her talent but with those who she loved the most.
An extraordinary life as it was, it still pains me to think that she was not recognized until Echo Heron dug out the old Round Robins and set the record straight.
The book brought to life an ingenious artist, Clara Wolcott, who worked fervently and tirelessly for 20 years, and single-handedly (I don't know if this part is true) made Tiffany glass a world-famous brand for its intricate and artistic designs of stained glass window and lamps.
Clara's life story beyond the stained glass was also fascinating. She was the oldest of four girls in a family. Her father died when she was a teenager. Her mother, under the constant threat of poverty, encouraged the girls to get the education they need to advance in the society. Clara was a fiercely independent women. She left her family in Ohio and went to New York to seek opportunities in her pursuant of art. She was immediately offered a job by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the owner of Tiffany Glass Co., to design and made stain glass artifacts. While her talent was recognized, her struggles are mighty. She suffered men's dominion over women at work, including unequal pay and status, Tiffany's tyrannical management style and shameless insistence in putting his name on her work, and distrust by management as well as workers in the men's department. She persevered by her dedication to art and work and her genuine affection for people and eventually led a group of girls dubbed as Tiffany Girls to the creation and making of the most-famed Tiffany glass products such as the daffodil and dragon fly lamps.
Clara's personal life, even at an age when a married woman could not work, was rich and colorful because of her close ties with her family and friends. For a long time, she valued her artistry and name as an artist above all else, but ultimately chose to live a life free of those exploiting her talent but with those who she loved the most.
An extraordinary life as it was, it still pains me to think that she was not recognized until Echo Heron dug out the old Round Robins and set the record straight.
March 30, 2020
Engaging, Enchanting, Riveting!
Echo Heron brings Clara Driscoll to life in this wonderful historical novel of turn of the century New York City! Brimming with historical details of the artistic world of Louis Comfort Tiffany's stained glass company, and the people behind the famous name. Without Clara and her Tiffany Girls, his company would have disappeared into anonimity, as did these women and their role in his success, until 21st Century scholars finally brought their story into the light. It is a story of tyranny, terror, opression, and injustice for women. These women were pioneers in the movement away from Victorian Era attitudes, morals, values, and laws regarding women; they faced an uphill battle for women's rights for suffrage, recognition, equal pay, and control of their intellectual, as well as physical property, not to mention their own bodies! Sadly, it is a fight women are still embroiled in today. But satisfying in that Clara Driscoll, and her "family circle" of artists and friends, has finally been brought out of the long shadow cast by Louis Comfort Tiffany, and now stands on their own, in the light of her remarkable accomplishments! I simply could not put it down. I fell in love with this book, and feel as if I've lost a good friend since I finished it. Kudos, Ms. Heron!
Echo Heron brings Clara Driscoll to life in this wonderful historical novel of turn of the century New York City! Brimming with historical details of the artistic world of Louis Comfort Tiffany's stained glass company, and the people behind the famous name. Without Clara and her Tiffany Girls, his company would have disappeared into anonimity, as did these women and their role in his success, until 21st Century scholars finally brought their story into the light. It is a story of tyranny, terror, opression, and injustice for women. These women were pioneers in the movement away from Victorian Era attitudes, morals, values, and laws regarding women; they faced an uphill battle for women's rights for suffrage, recognition, equal pay, and control of their intellectual, as well as physical property, not to mention their own bodies! Sadly, it is a fight women are still embroiled in today. But satisfying in that Clara Driscoll, and her "family circle" of artists and friends, has finally been brought out of the long shadow cast by Louis Comfort Tiffany, and now stands on their own, in the light of her remarkable accomplishments! I simply could not put it down. I fell in love with this book, and feel as if I've lost a good friend since I finished it. Kudos, Ms. Heron!
September 14, 2018
This was a tremendous book, filled with the many letters sent to and from Clara Wolcott- to her mom and sisters, and letters from Louis C. Tiffany regarding his aristocratic view of the world and how he thought his life was both more important and artistic than that of others. He wanted to control his best designer, Clara, who later headed up a department of over 30 women to create and develop wonderful new useful objects- like the Tiffany lamps and other beautiful but necessary items. Clara had an adventuress spirit, an integrity, a love of nature and the outdoors, an athletic ability- she learned to sail, ride a bike, ice skate, and drive while not a young woman- an optomistic view of getting a project done and a loyalty to her friends, her team of workers and her family. She puts so much into her life that it becomes almost amazing to realize that she made Tiffany Company prosper, while still working without credit or real appreciation for her talents. Her story is told with a great verbal expression of her artistic talents. She certainly did not have an easy life, but she worked and played hard and enjoed her time with friends as a down time and a time of finding balance in her life.
March 11, 2021
I understand that the italicized letters from Clara and her family were taken verbatim from the round robins sent between them. Correct? I wish the author/publisher had used a different font for the other, author-written diary entries of LCTiffany, and others. I kept needing to remind myself of this as I read them. They gave undeserved weight to Heron's inference regarding Tiffany's actions and motivations.
For a similar, but very different book about this fascinating woman, and for lovers of her work, one should also read Vreeland's "Clara and Mr. Tiffany". It's another take on the whole story. It's interesting to see what two authors can do using the same materials. I think Vreeland does a better job of character development of many of the supporting characters, including the New York City of the gilded age, and the artistic process of creating the stained glass. Heron, on the other hand, gives us more of the actual round robins.
Together, the books have set me off on a journey to learn more of this story. Post pandemic, I"m looking forward to rising the New York Historical Society to see their collection of Tiffany lamps. I may also get to Winter Park, FL (Morse Museum) and Cleveland.
Each book has its flaws,
For a similar, but very different book about this fascinating woman, and for lovers of her work, one should also read Vreeland's "Clara and Mr. Tiffany". It's another take on the whole story. It's interesting to see what two authors can do using the same materials. I think Vreeland does a better job of character development of many of the supporting characters, including the New York City of the gilded age, and the artistic process of creating the stained glass. Heron, on the other hand, gives us more of the actual round robins.
Together, the books have set me off on a journey to learn more of this story. Post pandemic, I"m looking forward to rising the New York Historical Society to see their collection of Tiffany lamps. I may also get to Winter Park, FL (Morse Museum) and Cleveland.
Each book has its flaws,
March 24, 2024
This was a surprisingly good read about a subject in which I had little knowledge, Tiffany Art. The novel ingeniously weaves the letters of Clara Wolcott Driscoll, who designed many Tiffany products, into author Echo Heron’s speculation about how her life unfolded. Why write about this relative unknown rather than Louis Comfort Tiffany, the man who built his business and put his name on every piece of work that came out of his shop? Because his business and Tiffany himself thrived on the back of Clara. She designed so many products - invented the famous Tiffany lamps, designed stained glass windows and Tiffany jewelry - but the tyrant Tiffany refused to even put her initials on any piece she designed, even after the pieces that he fraudulently claimed as his own won awards and the admiration of his upper class patrons. Clara emerges from these pages as a “modern” woman, fighting for equal wages with men and, more importantly, respect. Highly recommended.
February 5, 2021
Noon At Tiffany's by Echo Heron
This book is the story of Clara Wolcott, the true genius behind the famous Tiffany Lamps. An historical biographical novel, the book incorporates real letters written by Clara and her family and friends.
My god, I loved this book. Slow placed, but absolutely beautiful, and so real. I felt as though I were right beside the characters as I read, sharing in their every experience, they were brought so vividly to life by Heron. She did such a wonderful job capturing their essence in the fictional aspects of the book, they tied seamlessly to the very real letters. If you haven't yet read this book, you should!
This book is the story of Clara Wolcott, the true genius behind the famous Tiffany Lamps. An historical biographical novel, the book incorporates real letters written by Clara and her family and friends.
My god, I loved this book. Slow placed, but absolutely beautiful, and so real. I felt as though I were right beside the characters as I read, sharing in their every experience, they were brought so vividly to life by Heron. She did such a wonderful job capturing their essence in the fictional aspects of the book, they tied seamlessly to the very real letters. If you haven't yet read this book, you should!
June 3, 2025
Excellent Read
I'd read A Tiffany Girl and it piqued my interest regarding the Tiffany stained glass art and the girls. I then read Tiffany Girls and I wanted to know more. This book is more about Clara Driscoll, her dreams, her work, her work ethic, and her relationships at work and home. It was very interesting. The letters really reveal how far we've come and in some ways how little things have changed. I highly recommend this to anyone that likes history, New York, art, women's rights, and nature.
I'd read A Tiffany Girl and it piqued my interest regarding the Tiffany stained glass art and the girls. I then read Tiffany Girls and I wanted to know more. This book is more about Clara Driscoll, her dreams, her work, her work ethic, and her relationships at work and home. It was very interesting. The letters really reveal how far we've come and in some ways how little things have changed. I highly recommend this to anyone that likes history, New York, art, women's rights, and nature.
February 7, 2020
Loved this book and the education on art in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This is historical fiction and profiles Clara Wolcott, the real genius responsible for creating the Tiffany lamp. Her life and challenges sadly mirror the present day in many ways. Because of her gender, she was paid less than men, her opportunities were fewer, and she was robbed of the credit for her outstanding artistic accomplishments. I highly recommend this book.
September 29, 2020
I like reading historical fiction and found this particular book so entertaining. I couldn't help but fall in love with Clara, her boardinghouse family, the round robins and much more. I knew little about Tiffany's of that era and found myself googling images and history of both the family and the company. This book does not disappoint.
July 21, 2023
Interesting history of Tiffany glass and lamps! Surprising designer behind these beautiful lamps and windows who was never recognized for her talent. Fascinating way to tell this story with actual letters from Tiffany and “round robin” letters from Clara & family. I will never look at a stain glass windows again and not think of this book!
February 22, 2019
Wonderful book in all ways - the author’s writing style, the story she told, the fictional elements woven into the non-fiction. When hear or see Tiffany lamps, etc. will always think of Clara, her strength and adventures.
April 25, 2020
The book is interesting. The impact of female artists on Tiffany’s body of work is clear. I’m unclear how much of the story is true, as the research and the book weren’t especially congruent. Because of the doubts, I can’t rate it highly
May 7, 2020
Love, love, love this book about Clara Driscoll who worked in a design room for Louis Comfort Tiffany. Similar to Clara and Mr Tiffany, but the research was done using discovered from Clara to her family about her work and unusual relationship with Mr Tiffany.
August 23, 2021
Loved it!
An absolutely fascinating story. It is gratifying that Ms. Wolcott’s story has been told. I wonder how many other women’s stories have not been told that have made lasting contributions to our society.
An absolutely fascinating story. It is gratifying that Ms. Wolcott’s story has been told. I wonder how many other women’s stories have not been told that have made lasting contributions to our society.
July 6, 2024
The author uses research that includes the recently discovered (in 2005) letters of artist Clara Wolcott, designer of Tiffany lamps, to reconstruct her life in New York City beginning in the late 1800s.
June 5, 2025
Although interesting, the book was repetitive! Clara is a superior artist, earning low pay in spite of her designs making Tiffany very rich. The book mentions many new historical inventions and events in early 1900’s. Book based on her letters to sisters and mother! I wouldn’t recommend!
January 30, 2017
I really loved this book. Excellent read. Its a behind the scenes look at the creation of the Tiffany lamps. Takes place in NYC in 1888
August 27, 2018
Noon at Tiffany's was read for book club. I plan to return later with a review.
January 31, 2019
Really enjoyed this book! So interesting to read about this era and the Tiffany history. Felt like I knew the characters.
November 30, 2019
A really interesting historical novel about the unknown design genius behind Tiffany glass.
April 22, 2020
Excellent historical novel. Upsetting, as you absorb the amount of art attributed to Louis Comfort Tiffany that was not his, and a legacy that should have been Clara Wolcott's.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews