COWLES, VIRGINIA — The Astors

NY, Alfred a Knopf. 1979. Hardcover with dust jacket, 25cm. Book, dj blurb > Virginia Cowles, author of The Rothschilds, now gives us another great international family: the Astors, whose immense fortune came from furs, ships, and real estate; whose mansions bejeweled Fifth Avenue, Newport, and England; who became leaders-first in America, then in Britain-of polite society; whose births and deaths, private feuds and public scandals, political ambitions and philanthropic munificence have been fascinating the world at large for close to two centuries. The story of their rise to prominence, of their long reign, of their influence and importance. 256pp with numerous photos throughout. Just on 1 kg bubbled/carded for post. Excellent/Excellent.