Fortune's Many Houses: A Victorian Visionary, a Noble Scottish Family, and a Lost Inheritance

The Marquess and Marchioness of Aberdeen were an aristocratic couple who tried to change the world for the better but paid a heavy price. They had a fortune, a stately home, a townhouse, cattle ranches, and governorships, but lost their fortune and lands due to family tragedies, scandal, and their unwitting involvement in one of the "crimes of the century."

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2021
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

In the late 19th century, John and Ishbel Gordon, the Marquess and Marchioness of Aberdeen, were a remarkable aristocratic couple who sought to change the world for the better, despite facing immense challenges and paying a heavy price. Their lives were a true tale of love, loss, fortune, and misfortune.

The Gordons possessed a fortune that ran into the tens of millions, a magnificent stately home in Scotland, surrounded by one of Europe's largest estates. They also had a townhouse in London's most fashionable square, cattle ranches in Texas and British Columbia, and the governorships of Ireland and Canada, where they lived like royalty.

Together, John and Ishbel won praise for their work as social reformers and pioneers of women's rights. They enjoyed friendships with many prominent figures of the age, including Britains Prime Ministers, Oliver Wendell-Holmes, P.T. Barnum, and Queen Victoria herself. Their philanthropic efforts were widely recognized and admired.

However, by the time they died in the 1930s, the Gordons' luck had run out. They had faced family tragedies, scandal through their unwitting involvement in one of the "crimes of the century," and, most catastrophically, they had lost both their fortune and their lands.

This fascinating family quest for the reason for their dramatic downfall is also a moving and colorful exploration of society in Victorian Britain and North America. It provides an inspirational feast for history lovers, shedding light on the complexities and challenges of that era.

The Gordons' story is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite their setbacks, they remained committed to their causes and continued to strive for a better world. Their legacy continues to inspire and motivate people today, reminding us of the power of compassion, philanthropy, and social reform.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 242 x 170 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781982128623