"In 1895, nine American girls, including a Vanderbilt (railroads), LaRoche (pharmaceuticals), Rogers (oil) and Whitney (New York trolleys), married peers of the British new money, among them, a duke, an earl, three barons and a knight. It was the peak year of a social phenomenon that began when the entrenched members of old New York snubbed these "new money" families after the Civil War, sending them off to England in quest of class and bequeathing to us Anglomania, Preppy, the Jet Set, and even Princess Di.
Here is the American Heiress's story. Filled with tales of wealth and marriage, sex and snobbery -- and 100-year-old gossip that's still scorching -- To Marry an English Lord is a heavily illustrated and energetically presented popular history. A rich tapestry of essays, sidebars, fact-filled boxes, and lively anecdotes combined with a wealth of portraits, drawings, photographs, and other rare Victoriana -- it chronicles the era of Mrs. Astor, Edith Wharton, King Edward VII, and the Marlborough House Set. Over 100 heiresses swapped dollars for titles. To Marry an English Lord is the only book to tell how they did it."(from goodreads)
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Today I am spotlighting a book for Downton Abbey fans that might be worthwhile trying to locate in your library for a look-see. I read in The World of Downtown Abbey that Julian Fellowes was inspired to create the character of Cora after reading To Marry an English Lord. It's more of a pictorial and anecdotal book so it looks like an enjoyable way to learn about this period in history.
I've been reading many posts around the blogosphere with requests for books that might be similar to the Downton Abbey plot, and I'm also on the lookout for similar books. I've ordered a used copy, so I'm looking forward to receiving it. (Especially since someone in my household removed the season 2 episodes from the DVR lineup in order to make room for American Idol and House of Anubis! grrr! I have plotted my revenge......tonight I am steaming broccoli and clauliflower for dinner --they will be clutching their throats and begging for mercy! That will teach them to muck with mom's Downton Abbey episodes!!!!!)
