The social graces
(Book)

Includes discussion questions and a conversation with the author.

1876. In the glittering world of Manhattan's upper crust, wives turn a blind eye to husbands' infidelities, and women have few rights and even less independence. The more celebrated the hostess, the more powerful the woman. And none is more powerful than Caroline Astor-- The Mrs. Astor. Alva Vanderbilt has recently married into one of America's richest families, but what good is money when society refuses to acknowledge you? Alva will do whatever it takes to have everything. Over three decades these women try to outdo and outsmart each other at every turn. And both will make surprising discoveries about themselves- and what is truly at stake. -- Adapted from page [4] cover