Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty

In the #1 New York Times bestselling book by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe, the rise and fall of a legendary American dynasty are chronicled, from their humble beginnings in New York Harbor to their extravagant wealth and influence. The book explores the family's legacy, including their ruthless business tactics, extravagant lifestyles, and the family's struggles and conflicts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

The captivating tale of the rise and fall of a legendary American dynasty is now available in paperback format. Written by CNN anchor and journalist Anderson Cooper and historian and novelist Katherine Howe, this #1 New York Times bestselling chronicle delves into the extraordinary life of Cornelius Vanderbilt.

At the dawn of the nineteenth century, when eleven-year-old Cornelius Vanderbilt embarked on his journey working on his father's small boat ferrying supplies in New York Harbor, little did anyone know that he would go on to create two empires, one in shipping and another in railroads, ultimately making him the richest man in America. His remarkable fortune, amassed through sheer determination, cunning, and an insatiable desire for wealth, sparked intense familial discord that would linger long after his passing in 1877.

Despite his son Billy doubling the inheritance left by "the Commodore," subsequent generations of the Vanderbilt family sought new and extraordinary ways to spend their riches. By 2018, when the last Vanderbilt was forced out of The Breakers, the seventy-room summer estate in Newport, Rhode Island, built by Cornelius's grandson and namesake, the family had undergone a remarkable transformation. The family that once epitomized unfettered American capitalism and high society had become unrecognizable to the tycoon who had started it all.

Now, in a collaborative effort, Anderson Cooper, the great-great-great-grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, joins forces with historian Katherine Howe to unravel the captivating story of his legendary family. Through their meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Cooper and Howe breathe life into the ancestors who built the Vanderbilt empire, reveling in their wealth, hosting lavish galas, and becoming synonymous with the Gilded Age.

The narrative spans from the hardscrabble wharves of old Manhattan to the opulent drawing rooms of Gilded Age Fifth Avenue, from the ornate summer palaces of Newport to the courts of Europe, and even to modern-day New York. Cooper and Howe meticulously detail the triumphs and tragedies that shaped the Vanderbilt family, providing a comprehensive and immersive account of their extraordinary journey.

This paperback edition of the #1 New York Times bestselling chronicle is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of wealth. It offers a glimpse into the lives of a remarkable family and their lasting impact on the world.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 136 x 202 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780062964625