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Archie and Amelie: Love and Madness in the Gilded Age

donna m. lucey

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John Armstrong Chanler —Archie to his family— was an heir to the Astor fortune, an eccentric, dashing, and handsome millionaire. Amélie Rives, from a Southern family and the goddaughter of Robert E. Lee, was a daring author, a stunning temptress, and a woman ahead of her time.

Filled with glamour, mystery, and madness, their love affair and marriage made them the talk of society in the Gilded Age.

Archie and Amélie seemed made for each other: both were passionate, intense, and driven by emotion; but the very things that brought them together would soon draw them apart. Their marriage began with a "secret" wedding that found its way onto the front page of the New York Times, to the dismay of Archie's relatives and Amélie's many gentleman friends.

To the world, the couple appeared charmed, rich, and famous; they moved in social circles that included Oscar Wilde, Teddy Roosevelt, and Stanford White. But although their love was undeniable, they tormented each other, and their private life was troubled from the start. They were the F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald of their day —a celebrated couple too dramatic and unconventional to last— but their tumultuous story has largely been forgotten.

Now, Donna M Lucey vividly brings to life these extraordinary lovers and their sweeping, tragic romance: "In the Virginia hunt country, just outside of Charlottesville, where I live, the older people still tell stories of a strange couple who died some two generations ago. The stories involve ghosts, the mysterious burning of a church, a murder at a millionaire's house, a sensational lunacy trial, and a beautiful, scantily clad young woman prowling her gardens at night as if she were searching for something or someone —or trying to walk off the effects of the morphine that was deranging her. I was inclined to dismiss all of this as tall tales Virginians love to spin out; but when I looked into these yarns I found proof that they were true… —Donna M Lucey on Archie and Amélie.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,2006
Places
charlottesville virginia, keswick virginia, 

This edition

Format
352 pages, Hardcover
Published
June 27, 2006 by Harmony
ISBN
9781400048526
ASIN
1400048524
Language
English
Characters More characters

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About the author

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donna m. lucey

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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
39(39%)
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30(30%)
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31(31%)
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100 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
MHSB50
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I can't fault the research that went into this book.

However, it really failed to flesh out the character of Archie for me.

The author seemed to just skim over his personality, leaving me with a rather one-dimensional understanding of him.

And don't even get me started on their marriage.

It felt so flat and uninteresting, as if the author didn't put in enough effort to make it come alive.

Reading about their relationship just drug me down to a frazzled state.

I found myself constantly losing interest and having to force myself to keep reading.

Overall, while the research may have been solid, the lack of character development and engaging storytelling really let this book down for me.

I was hoping for so much more, but unfortunately, it just didn't deliver.
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Ravensworn
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Archie Chanler, who was dashing, handsome, and artistic, was the heir to a portion of the Astor fortune.

On the other hand, Amelie Rives, being beautiful, passionate, and creative, was a scandalous author hailing from an old yet poor Southern family.

Their secret wedding caused a great scandal within his family. Although they mingled in the highest social and literary circles, their private lives soon took a bitter turn.

This led to their divorce, and Archie allegedly went mad, as his family claimed.

They were the F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald of their era, and their tragic romance encompassed all the elements of a tragic soap opera - love, drugs, wealth, plots, and madness.

It was a story that captured the imagination of many, filled with drama and heartbreak.

Their lives became a cautionary tale about the perils of love and the destructive power of wealth and fame.

Even today, their story continues to be a subject of fascination and study, a reminder of the complex and often tragic nature of human relationships.
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JHM_
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Almost a two. This is the story of an eccentric Astor heir and his equally eccentric (but in very different ways) wife. The narrative takes readers on a journey through their lives, filled with oddities and peculiarities. However, I must admit that I found this book nearly incoherent at times. The plot seemed to jump around without much rhyme or reason, leaving many questions unanswered. It was frustrating to follow, as important details were either left out or presented in a confusing manner. I would highly recommend avoiding this book if you are looking for a well-structured and engaging read. There are simply too many other excellent books out there that can provide a more satisfying literary experience.

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quinnchou
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This book gives the impression of being like an episode of reality TV.

As you are perusing through its pages, it feels as if you are observing (reading) a trainwreck.

The events and circumstances described within are both sad and frustrating, leaving a sense of dissatisfaction.

However, it lacks any real consequences or moments of redemption that could salvage the overall experience.

Given this, I would much rather turn to other books in order to uncover and understand the history of the Gilded Age.

There are likely many more engaging and informative works out there that can provide a more comprehensive and fulfilling exploration of this fascinating period.

Perhaps those other books will offer a more accurate and captivating portrayal, one that doesn't leave the reader with a sense of disappointment and a desire to look elsewhere for a better understanding.

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Profile Image for Kimberly .
Jarel
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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If you live around Charlottesville, and especially Keswick, you will find that a great deal of local landmarks and history are encompassed within the pages of this book.

Charlottesville and Keswick are areas rich in heritage and unique features. The book serves as a comprehensive guide, presenting detailed information about the various landmarks that dot the landscape.

From historical buildings that have withstood the test of time to significant sites that played crucial roles in the region's past, it offers a fascinating insight into the local history.

Whether you are a long-time resident looking to deepen your knowledge or a newcomer eager to explore the area's roots, this book is an invaluable resource.

It allows you to discover the stories behind the landmarks and gain a greater appreciation for the rich tapestry of history that exists in and around Charlottesville and Keswick.

So, if you have an interest in local history and landmarks, be sure to pick up this book and embark on a journey of discovery.
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
ligerbuddy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Amelie was from the impoverished gentile Virginia aristocratic lineage.

Archie, on the other hand, was a Rockefeller.

Amelie wrote an erotic novel, which led to her becoming notorious.

Despite their differences, they fell in love and got married. However, after seven years of a sexless marriage, Archie ended up in a madhouse.

They divorced, and Archie went on to establish a textile business and dabbled in the occult.

Amelie, in turn, married a poor Russian aristocrat.

This book offers a fascinating account of the lives of the rich and those who aspired to be rich in the late 19th century.

If you enjoy biographies that read like soap operas, then this is the ideal book for you.

I firmly believe it is perfect summer reading material, as it combines elements of drama, scandal, and the allure of the upper class during that era.

It provides a captivating glimpse into a world that is both glamorous and filled with hidden secrets and tragedies.

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Profile Image for Kimberly .
Mangavore
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This would have made a spectacular, page-turning novel that would have kept readers awake long into the night.

Unfortunately, it's not a novel. It's a rather dry nonfiction account of John "Archie" Armstrong Chanler, one of the heirs to the massive Astor fortune, and Amélie Rives, a beautiful Southern belle whose godfather was Robert E. Lee.

Prodigiously researched by author Donna M. Lucey, the book is a stellar historical account of the scandalous marriage and divorce and subsequent descent into mental illness of two of society's darlings during the 1890s. Archie and Amélie not only arrogantly defied society's expectations of them, but also pompously flaunted its established morals.

If you enjoy reading history, you'll probably enjoy this book. But there is little heart or soul to it—just fact after fact after fact, which is such a shame because the subject matter is positively explosive in its potential for a shocking, passionate and wickedly outrageous tale.

Oh well! The story of Archie and Amélie is truly a fascinating one. Their lives were filled with drama, scandal, and tragedy. The details of their marriage and divorce, as well as Amélie's descent into mental illness, are enough to make any reader's heart race. However, the way in which the author presents these facts is rather dry and unemotional. It's as if she is simply reporting the events without really trying to bring them to life.

Perhaps if the author had taken a more creative approach, the book would have been more engaging. She could have used fictional elements to flesh out the characters and add some excitement to the story. Or, she could have focused more on the emotional aspects of the characters' lives, rather than just presenting the facts.

Despite its flaws, the book is still a valuable historical resource. It provides a detailed account of a scandalous period in American history and offers insights into the lives of two of society's most prominent figures. If you're interested in history, it's definitely worth a read. Just don't expect it to be a thrilling page-turner.
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Kinspie13
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I have a deep passion for reading about the locals.

It is truly fascinating to learn about their unique cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

By delving into their stories, I gain a better understanding of the world around me and the diverse people who inhabit it.

Reading about the locals allows me to step into their shoes, even if only for a moment, and experience their joys, sorrows, and daily struggles.

It broadens my perspective and makes me more empathetic towards others.

Whether it's through books, articles, or personal accounts, I am always eager to explore the lives of the locals and discover the hidden gems that make each community special.

This love for reading about the locals has become an important part of my life, enriching my knowledge and making me a more well-rounded individual.
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