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queenofheartsreview's review
5.0
To say that I love Cecelia Tichi’s "What Would Mrs. Astor Do?" is simply an understatement! What first drew me to this book was its design which is ornate and splendid, something reminiscent of a bygone era like the Gilded Age. The book jacket, represented in the image above, is faded crimson with golden swirls and designs. If one is to peel away the jacket, one is met with a regal cover design with a miniature portrait of the Mrs. Caroline Schermerhorn Astor, the Gilded Age queen regnant of New York society. The design is something that must be acknowledged because it sets the tone for the rest of the book.
Before sharing my thoughts about the book, I will talk briefly about the author. Cecelia Tichi, PhD, is an English professor at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. She obtained her MA from Johns Hopkins University and her PhD from the University of California, Davis. At Vanderbilt University, she teaches courses that focus on American literature in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. She has published nine scholarly books that cover an array of different topics but has written extensively on the Gilded Age.
When I first picked up "What Would Mrs. Astor Do?", I thought it was going to be a book on Gilded Age etiquette. Little did I realize that this book is so much more than that. In a light and humorous way, she recounts the lifestyles and social mores of Mrs. Caroline Astor’s exclusive milieu, “the Four Hundred.” Dr. Tichi covers everything from etiquette to fashion to social events to scandals that threatened the very bedrock of New York society. Alongside the many anecdotes and stories are gorgeous illustrations from that time period. Additionally, the author included a complete list of Mrs. Astor’s “Four Hundred” at the back of the book which is a nice touch.
For a researcher like myself, this book is a treasure trove of information. Dr. Tichi writes in a delightful and engaging way, bringing the stories of these long-dead figures to life. This is bewitching and a must-have for anyone who is doing research on Mrs. Astor, her “Four Hundred,” and the Gilded Age.
Reviewed by the Queen of Hearts Review!
Before sharing my thoughts about the book, I will talk briefly about the author. Cecelia Tichi, PhD, is an English professor at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. She obtained her MA from Johns Hopkins University and her PhD from the University of California, Davis. At Vanderbilt University, she teaches courses that focus on American literature in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. She has published nine scholarly books that cover an array of different topics but has written extensively on the Gilded Age.
When I first picked up "What Would Mrs. Astor Do?", I thought it was going to be a book on Gilded Age etiquette. Little did I realize that this book is so much more than that. In a light and humorous way, she recounts the lifestyles and social mores of Mrs. Caroline Astor’s exclusive milieu, “the Four Hundred.” Dr. Tichi covers everything from etiquette to fashion to social events to scandals that threatened the very bedrock of New York society. Alongside the many anecdotes and stories are gorgeous illustrations from that time period. Additionally, the author included a complete list of Mrs. Astor’s “Four Hundred” at the back of the book which is a nice touch.
For a researcher like myself, this book is a treasure trove of information. Dr. Tichi writes in a delightful and engaging way, bringing the stories of these long-dead figures to life. This is bewitching and a must-have for anyone who is doing research on Mrs. Astor, her “Four Hundred,” and the Gilded Age.
Reviewed by the Queen of Hearts Review!
mindsplinters's review
2.0
This had meticulous research and covered a wide variety of topics. It related a lot of anecdotes and first-person observations. For all of that, though, I think it covered too much and, as a result, never went very in depth on anything. It also felt less like a the guide the title says and more a very well researched overview of the Gilded Age World of the priveleged.
bookedwithbridget's review
5.0
When Caroline Webster Schermerhorn married William Backhouse Astor Jr. the beginning of modern American society was born. Mrs. Astor became arguably the most celebrated socialite of all time. Throughout her reign, she guided a nation in propriety. She was the perfect mixture of old money values with modern New York Gilded Age style and class. She took it upon herself to address her admirers in etiquette, proper dress, education and used her influence to shape all that was to be expected and accepted.
Mrs. Astor has always fascinated me. What kind of woman would command such a loyal following in such a male-dominated time? What was it about her? Whether you think of her as the ultimate Eastern snob or the Preppy Queen of the World this fascinating account of how things were (and in some circles continue to be) from Cecelia Tichi is a must-read for the modern woman. Whether you relish in her accomplishments or are astounded by her snobbery Mrs. Astor's story is noteworthy and is flawlessly told with pictures and drawings to accentuate every grand detail.
I would recommend this book for every woman to read at least once in her life. History buffs will love the rare glimpse into this amazing woman's influence. This book should hold its place in the same regard as Emily Post's Etiquette and reserve its place right beside it on the shelf. It’s perfect for a women's book club to read discussing the book at a fun and proper Astor-inspired luncheon at a posh restaurant in the city.
Mrs. Astor has always fascinated me. What kind of woman would command such a loyal following in such a male-dominated time? What was it about her? Whether you think of her as the ultimate Eastern snob or the Preppy Queen of the World this fascinating account of how things were (and in some circles continue to be) from Cecelia Tichi is a must-read for the modern woman. Whether you relish in her accomplishments or are astounded by her snobbery Mrs. Astor's story is noteworthy and is flawlessly told with pictures and drawings to accentuate every grand detail.
I would recommend this book for every woman to read at least once in her life. History buffs will love the rare glimpse into this amazing woman's influence. This book should hold its place in the same regard as Emily Post's Etiquette and reserve its place right beside it on the shelf. It’s perfect for a women's book club to read discussing the book at a fun and proper Astor-inspired luncheon at a posh restaurant in the city.
annarella's review
5.0
I love books about manners, etiquette, and history and this book was perfect.
An enjoyable and thought provoking look at the lifestyle of the elites of the Gilded Age.
It's well researched, well written, and you cannot help being fascinated and repulsed at the same time by the lifestyle of the elites.
A very good book, highly recommended!
Many thanks to NYU Press and Edelweiss for this ARC
An enjoyable and thought provoking look at the lifestyle of the elites of the Gilded Age.
It's well researched, well written, and you cannot help being fascinated and repulsed at the same time by the lifestyle of the elites.
A very good book, highly recommended!
Many thanks to NYU Press and Edelweiss for this ARC
natep's review
This book is kind of an etiquette guide with some history of the places they gathered and the activities in which these oligarchs participated. While decently sourced, to an experienced reader, there's little that's new. It's a little dull.
A copy of this book was given to the reviewer through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A copy of this book was given to the reviewer through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
I love books about manners, etiquette, and history and this book was perfect.
An enjoyable and thought provoking look at the lifestyle of the elites of the Gilded Age.
It's well researched, well written, and you cannot help being fascinated and repulsed at the same time by the lifestyle of the elites.
A very good book, highly recommended!
Many thanks to NYU Press and Edelweiss for this ARC
An enjoyable and thought provoking look at the lifestyle of the elites of the Gilded Age.
It's well researched, well written, and you cannot help being fascinated and repulsed at the same time by the lifestyle of the elites.
A very good book, highly recommended!
Many thanks to NYU Press and Edelweiss for this ARC
theinstantreader's review against another edition
4.0
As a thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy I shall give an honest review of Ceceilia Tichi’s “What would Mrs.Astor do?”. This book presents a period Mark Twain called the Gilded Age. In this period lived the richest and most influential individuals in America’s history. Their impact on American culture is still felt today. As a reader of Edith Wharton’s novels I have been exposed slightly to this culture and in this book was shown details to the life Wharton and her contemporaries lived. The order to which the chapters were chosen was poignant and examined different facets to the lives of Astor’s chosen 400. If you love Downton Abbey and period pieces you will love this book. Overall I enjoyed this book and give it four of five stars on Goodreads.
maliajackson's review against another edition
3.0
It has plenty of good information, but it's basically like reading slightly lively encyclopedia entries. I wish it had an index?
I'm realizing perhaps the best way to get a lot of the information in this book is to read Edith Wharton and google names and places.
I'm realizing perhaps the best way to get a lot of the information in this book is to read Edith Wharton and google names and places.
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