Rogues and Heroes of Newport's Gilded Age

by Edward Morris

Newport, Rhode Island, was the summer playground of the Gilded Age for the Astors, Belmonts and Vanderbilts. They built lavish villas designed by the best Beaux Arts–style architects of the time, including Richard Morris Hunt, Charles McKim and Robert Swain Peabody. America’s elite delighted in referring to these grand retreats as “summer cottages,” where they would play tennis and polo and sail their yachts along the shores of the Ocean State. The coachman had an important role as the discreet outdoor butler for Gilded Age gentlemen—not only was he in charge of the horses, but he also acted as a travel advisor and connoisseur of entertainment venues. From the driver’s seat, author and guide Edward Morris provides a diverse collection of biographical sketches that reveal the outrageous and opulent lives of some of America’s leading entrepreneurs.

Genres: American History, History

131 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 4, 2012

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

It reads like a hop-on hop-off/ red bus tour, but I was hoping for a little more details. It could also be improved by adding more pictures of the buildings being discussed, for those of us not already familiar with them.

[Claire Ehrenfeld · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth reading. Most of the new parts that I hadn't read about before. had to do with the archetects who built many of the fabulous cottages in Newport during the Gilded Age. The lives of the rich who paid for these summer homes were mostly a repeat of better written books about this era. Then when the author ran out of architects and gossip it becomes a walk through town identifying the homes. Big bore unless you're in the town and strolling down Bellevue Avenue using this as a guide book. I forgot to check what year this book was published to see if it would even be useful as a guide today.

[Hope Irvin Marston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I've never visited Newport, Rhode Island, this title grabbed my attention. It's a quick read written from the driver's seat by an author/coachman's guide for six years that describes the lives of the "rich and famous" residents of the city during its Gilded Age. The book is replete with many b/w photos of their homes.

What makes the book interesting is the costs of these mansions and the not-so-private lives of many of their owners. In truth many tales are the kind that women of yore shared with each other over their backyard fences.

Hope Irvin Marston, author of THE WALLS HAVE EARS: A BLACK SPY IN THE CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE, a Charlotte Award Nominee, 2021. www.HopeIrvinMarston.com

[Susann · Rating 3 out of 5]

All the Nitty Gritty

I don't know about the rogues, but lots of details, sometimes repeated later in the book. I did not know any of the back story of Newport's early history and success in our country's saga, and that was interesting. If you are enamoured of the many Bellevue Avenue and side street mansions, this will acquaint you with a bit on each. Some good photos later in the book. Some interesting characters. Towards the end, I was just plodding through because there were too many Vanderbilts and Astors to keep track of. A worthwhile read for Newport lovers. The author led tours so he knows his stuff!

[Elizabeth Roscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cinch up your waist! We're going to Newport!!

Glitz & Glamour, China & Silver..All the Gossip of the Guilded Age is combined in this condensed tale! My late Mother & Grandparents shared many of these same stories of Newport as regular citizens in the 20th century, but added even more "spice" as friends of the younger generation of the monied "Elders" who left behind so many regrets and unclaimed fortunes, not to mention, "Ghosts!" We may be able to share some of their stories in time to come...

[Andrew McGee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Biographies were good; tour of Newport was bad.

Interesting information was given about key characters in Newport's history in the first half of book. The tour given in the second half is filled with gaps that would cause one to get hopelessly lost without the assistance of Google maps. Examples include not telling readers to turn left on Spring St from Memorial Blvd, not telling readers to drive around Washington Sq to get on Clarke St, not telling readers how to get on Wellington Ave from Harrison.

[Lin Rahe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Newport Cottages

Where did all the money go? Why were the cottages so grand? Great read with the inside story on the accumulation & loss of money made during the Gilded Age. Nothing was too expensive, too ornate or ostentatious for the architects to create with their magic wands. Preservation groups have taken over most of the mansions, gardens & parks. Many mansions are open all year offering guided tours. Great fun!

[Edwin Perva]

Boring

A boring listing of facts, without depth or continuity. Much information repeated several times throughout the book. I think the author is infatuated with the rich inhabitants of Newport like a kid in a candy store.

[Margaret Closs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would like it more with additional editing.

Noticed several spelling errors and “Mary lee Curtis” instead of Jamie Lee Curtis. Is like a tour guide and offers local flavor, however some stories are redundant and told multiple times in different locations in the book.

[Lori · Rating 1 out of 5]

Typos, inaccuracy and redundancy

If I could give it negative stars I would. Supposedly the transcript of the guided tour or some nonsense. If I paid money for that tour, I'd want paid for having to listen to him talk in circles all day.

[Suzanne Pixley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The in-depth guide to historical Newport

Having visited Newport in the past, I thoroughly enjoyed the authors guide to this historic city, it's homes and all the incidental pieces of information. If you're planning a trip to Newport, RI this guide is a must!

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite historic read. Such wealth in small area.

[Alison · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extremely redundant, written as a script for a tour bus driver, bad jokes and all. Overall, painful read.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just okay

Interesting subject matter… especially after just having visited Newport. The writing was often repetitive and is a good example of why proofreading is necessary.

[Larz Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitive -- same stories told several times. Then becomes guide book to houses of Newport.

[Linda Berger]

Rogues and Heroes of New poet's Builder Age

Reading this wants me to visit Newport and explore these stately homes while following along in the book. Great historical piece.

[KE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informational short history of Newport, RI gilded age homes and families.