Ward McAllister

Society as I Have Found It (eBook, ePUB)

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In "Society as I Have Found It," Ward McAllister offers a candid and insightful exploration of the social hierarchies and cultural dynamics of Gilded Age America. Written with a sharp wit and keen observation, the book serves both as memoir and social critique, detailing the extravagant lifestyles of the New York elite and the intricate workings of high society. McAllister's prose captures the opulence, contradictions, and sometimes absurdities of the era, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of the societal constructs that governed behavior and relationships during this transformative period in American history. Ward McAllister, a prominent social figure and event planner, was immersed in the high society he critiques. His intimate familiarity with the upper echelons of society stemmed from his role as the unofficial arbiter of social etiquette. McAllister's privileged insider perspective allows him to navigate and articulate the nuances of class, wealth, and gender roles, making his observations not only personal but resonant with the complexities of an era marked by economic disparity and cultural shifts. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in American social history, as it offers a unique window into the lives of the elite, enriched by McAllister's sharp commentary. Scholars of the Gilded Age will find his reflections illuminating, while casual readers will appreciate the engaging narrative that brings a past world to life.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: DigiCat
• Seitenzahl: 140
• Erscheinungstermin: 13. November 2022
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 8596547387985
• Artikelnr.: 66417316

Autorenporträt

Ward McAllister (1827-1895) was a notable figure in the elite social circles of New York City and a self-proclaimed arbiter of high society in the Gilded Age. Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, McAllister moved to New York where he made his mark as a prominent lawyer and socialite. His interest in social structure and his self-assured knowledge of the intricacies of etiquette among the upper echelons culminated in his authorship of the book 'Society as I Have Found It' (1890). In this work, McAllister offers a vivid portrayal of the opulent lifestyles and social customs of America's wealthiest families of the time. His narrative, mingled with personal anecdotes and observations, provides a unique insight into the rites and rituals of the American elite. The book, while seemingly a guide to society, also serves as a reflection of McAllister's own flamboyant personality and his beliefs about social hierarchy and exclusivity. His literary style combines an autobiographical approach with a guidebook-like tone, filled with maxims and prescriptive advice for navigating the salons and balls of high society. McAllister's contribution through his writings and his creation of the concept of the 'Four Hundred'-referring to those who were considered the pinnacle of New York's social elite-remains a significant point of reference for historians studying the social dynamics of the late 19th century in America.