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Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Anderson Cooper, Katherine Howe

Vanderbilt

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

New York • 19th Century

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe chronicles the rise of Cornelius Vanderbilt in the 19th-century shipping and railroad industries, his son Billy's success in doubling the family fortune, and the subsequent generations' struggles with wealth, infighting, and declining influence. It explores the Vanderbilt family's impact on American capitalism and the Gilded Age while blending biography, history, and memoir, particularly through Cooper's reflections in the final chapter. The book includes discussions of suicide.

Informative

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

73,887 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

In Vanderbilt, Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe deliver a compelling exploration of the Vanderbilt family's rise and fall. The book is praised for its engaging storytelling and well-researched historical context. However, some reviewers feel it occasionally sacrifices depth for readability. Overall, it is an insightful and captivating read on American aristocracy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Vanderbilt?

Fans of American history, high society, and family sagas will relish Vanderbilt by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe. This book appeals to readers of The House of Morgan by Ron Chernow and The Social Graces by Renée Rosen, targeting those intrigued by the rise and fall of the Vanderbilt dynasty.

4.1

73,887 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

New York • 19th Century

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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