Pretty good for a gossip story.

The story of the Astor orphans is indeed a captivating one that demands to be retold in a way that suits current sensibilities.

This particular account is just a fraction of the entire narrative.

There is so much more to uncover and explore about the lives and experiences of these orphans.

Perhaps their struggles, their hopes, and their ultimate fates hold valuable lessons for us today.

By delving deeper into their story, we can gain a better understanding of the past and how it has shaped the present.

It is essential to approach this retelling with sensitivity and respect, ensuring that the true essence of the Astor orphans' story is preserved.

Only then can we truly appreciate the significance of this remarkable tale and share it with others in a meaningful way.

Fascinating story giving credence to the fact that truth can be stranger than fiction.

There are countless tales that have emerged over the years, blurring the line between reality and imagination. These stories often leave us in awe, wondering how something so unbelievable could actually be true.

One such story might involve a series of events that seem too coincidental to be real. It could be about a person who has had an encounter with the supernatural or a situation that defies all logical explanation.

These fascinating stories not only capture our attention but also make us question the limits of what we know and understand. They remind us that there is still so much mystery and wonder in the world, and that sometimes, the truth can be far more extraordinary than anything we could ever dream up in a work of fiction.

Whether it's a story of love, adventure, or the unknown, these tales have the power to inspire and amaze us, and to show us that the world is full of surprises waiting to be discovered.

Whoa, baby! This book truly has it all.

It delves into the realms of drugs, sex, money, madness, scheming relatives, and betrayal. It's a captivating story that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Amelie Rives was the "it" girl of the Gilded Age. A beautiful southern belle, she not only wrote scandalously steamy novels but also dabbled in drugs and had a series of marriages, first to an Astor scion and then to a Russian prince.

She was a complex figure, part Scarlett O'Hara and part Paris Hilton. She managed to hook the unstable Archie Chanler, who spent a significant portion of his life in conflict with his siblings. They had him committed to an asylum to prevent him from squandering all the family's wealth.

Archie had some rather peculiar beliefs, believing he could change the color of his eyes and transform his face into the likeness of Napoleon. He escaped from the asylum and moved to the ironically named "Merry Mill," where he lived and died in a world of his own, much like John Nash. He would scribble on the walls, write copious amounts of poetry, and pen self-defending diatribes.

And then there was his equally odd brother, Robert. He became the darling of the Armory Show in 1913 and was a society decorator who lived in Woodstock for many years. He was the life and soul of the artists' group, The Maverick.

Donna Lucey, please consider writing your next book about Robert. There's so much more to his story that I'm sure would make for a fascinating read.

Four-star content with only a two-star presentation. This is truly a disappointment. I found myself in a rather strange position while reading it. At times, I was completely fascinated by the rich and detailed content that was presented. It was like uncovering hidden gems within the text. However, at other times, it felt incredibly boring. The way the information was laid out and presented just didn't hold my attention. I firmly believe that this could have been a really top-notch biography with some extensive editing. A little more polish and refinement in the presentation would have made all the difference. It's a shame that such great content is let down by a less than stellar presentation. With the right touch, this could have been a masterpiece that would have captivated readers from start to finish.

A dual biography is presented, focusing on Archie Chanler, the heir to the Astor fortune, and Amelie, a southern belle, author, and highly admired beautiful woman. These two individuals are exceedingly eccentric. They marry, but face great difficulty in living together.

Amelie writes novels that are shockingly ahead of her time, the late 1800s and early 1900s. Generally, they live apart, spending Archie's considerable fortune and stunning society. Eventually, they divorce, which is an unacceptable action in that era. Archie remains obsessed with Amelie, whether married to her or not. Their lives, whether apart or together, are filled with numerous ups and downs. This includes drug use, mental illness, hopping between continents, and a great deal of outrageous behavior.

The author had access to letters written by and about the two, and capably covers the period and their lives. This dual biography provides a fascinating look into the complex and tumultuous relationship between Archie and Amelie, as well as the social and cultural context in which they lived.

This book might appear as rather odd vacation reading material. However, once you reach your beach rental and your gaze meets that of a captivating individual across the room, someone you just know is absolutely perfect for you... well, then you simply have to pick up this book and start reading.

This particular volume was the biography of John Armstrong Chanler, one of the heirs to the enormous Astor fortune (and seemingly related to just about everyone). His wife, Amélie Rives, was a scandalous southern authoress. Both of these characters were incredibly vivid and full of life. Spending an entire day at the beach in their company, so to speak, through the pages of this book, was anything but a tiresome task. It was actually quite an engaging and interesting experience.

You would find yourself drawn into their world, eager to learn more about their adventures, their relationships, and all the drama that surrounded them. It was like having a front-row seat to a real-life soap opera, and it made for a truly enjoyable vacation read.

Sad

The life and death described here are truly tragic. It is a poignant reminder that money cannot buy happiness. This book is very well-written and compelling. It delves deep into the lives of the characters, revealing their joys and sorrows, their hopes and dreams. We see how they struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that often seems cruel and unforgiving. The author's use of language is masterful, painting a vivid picture of the characters and their surroundings. We feel as if we are right there with them, experiencing their pain and suffering. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, making you think about the true meaning of life and happiness.

This is yet another tale of the outrageously wealthy during the Gilded Age. Amelie, a conniving little brat, will do whatever it takes to have her own way. Archie, on the other hand, hails from a long line of eccentric individuals with mental illness. He finds himself hopelessly in love with a woman, but he is just one of at least 50 other men vying for her affections.

This unlikely combination spells disaster for both of them. Archie's family, concerned about his well-being and perhaps a bit embarrassed by his behavior, decides to have him locked up in an asylum.

The story unfolds, revealing the complex web of relationships and the lengths people will go to in order to satisfy their desires and maintain their social status. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of wealth, power, and obsession.

As we follow the lives of Amelie and Archie, we are left to wonder what could have been if they had made different choices. Would their fates have been any different? Only time will tell.

Wow! What an astonishing story it is. It's not a tale of mere madness but rather one that delves deep into the mental illness of two individuals who shone brightly on the surface.

They were both plagued by a myriad of issues such as greed, which drove them to seek more and more wealth without bounds. The allure of money seemed to consume them, clouding their judgment and leading them down a path of self-destruction.

Passion burned within them, but it was an obsessive kind of passion that bordered on the unhealthy. Jealousy also reared its ugly head, causing rifts and creating a toxic environment around them.

This story serves as a powerful reminder that beneath the glitter and glamour, there can often lie hidden demons and struggles with mental health. It makes us realize that we should not always judge a book by its cover and that there is much more to a person than meets the eye.

Decedance of time gone by

The tormented story of how the rich were different is truly a captivating one. It takes us on a journey from humble beginnings to the lofty heights of the gilded age. We witness the struggles and sacrifices that these individuals had to endure in order to achieve their wealth and status.

It is a tale of ambition, determination, and sometimes, even ruthlessness. The rich of that era seemed to exist in a world of their own, with their opulent lifestyles and extravagant parties.

Yet, beneath the surface, there were often hidden secrets and tragedies. This story offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era and serves as a reminder of how much the world has changed. It is a good read that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Whether you are interested in history, sociology, or simply a good story, this account of the decedance of time gone by is sure to satisfy.

I found this book to be truly disappointing.

Throughout the entire reading experience, I never once got a clear sense of what Archie or Amelie were like as individuals. Their personalities remained elusive, making it difficult for me to form any sort of connection with them.

Similarly, the nature of their marriage was also left somewhat of a mystery. The book seemed to mostly focus on Archie and his life before and after his marriage to Amelie.

While this provided some insight into Archie's character development, it left a significant gap in our understanding of Amelie and their relationship as a whole.

I had hoped for a more in-depth exploration of both characters and their marriage, but unfortunately, this book fell short in that regard.

It was a missed opportunity to tell a more engaging and fulfilling story.

Now, this is the kind of Astor story that truly piques my interest! Archie, a great great grandson of the original Astor, marries Amelie, a spoiled and flirty southern belle. At first glance, they seem to be a perfect match. However, problems start to arise just one month into their marriage. They spend their initial wedded winter apart, with Archie in Paris and Amelie at the family seat in Virginia. But in the spring, they travel to London and become part of the Soul set. Sadly, this is when Amelie begins taking morphine.

Archie, constantly longing for a peaceful life with his wife, is constantly thwarted by his personal passions. Eventually, he admits that they can no longer live together. He then buys property near Castle Hill and begins to develop his vision of a self-sufficient town. Additionally, he establishes a law firm, even though he is not a practicing attorney.

On the other hand, Amelie continues to lead an artistic life in Paris and London. She meets her Prince Charming and files for divorce, causing an uproar in American society and within the Chanler family. Archie's family responds by locking him in Bloomingdale, a mental sanitarium. Meanwhile, Amelie grows poor and loses her looks.

Archie eventually gets out of the sanitarium and retains his rights to support Amelie and her husband until he dies. It is clear that Amelie was a master manipulator from her pubescent years, with men fawning over her. Archie was no different, becoming a victim and giving her everything she asked for, even when he was no longer obligated to do so. She blatantly wrote letters requesting funds and turning over bills. Amelie refused to live away from her beloved Castle Hill for a long time, risking her first marriage and happiness. It seems that these two were never meant to find harmony in their relationship.