"Society As I Have Found It" 1890 McALLISTER, Ward
$5,000
McALLISTER, Ward
[469] pp.
All page edges gilt-covered (a.e.g.).
Cassell Publishing Company, New York
1890 Edition De Luxe Limited to four hundred (400) copies, of which this is no. 140
Publisher's gilt and silver beveled cloth binding w/ the McAllister coat-of-arms stamped in gilt on the front and rear covers
w/ Heraldic bookplate, inscribed: "Charles and Virginia Baldwin"
10 3/8" x 7 7/8"
VG
McAllister, one of the defining figures in New York society during the Gilded Age, coined the concept of "The Four Hundred," the supposed social elite of New York (hence the edition size, 400 copies, of this work). Unfortunately, the book proved his undoing; it was just a little too much "tell-all," and McAllister was dropped by many of the New York elite, entering a period of social disgrace that ended only with his death in 1895.
"Society as I Have Found It" by Ward McAllister is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book offers a vivid portrayal of social life and customs in both America and Europe, as experienced by the author. McAllister reflects on his family history, his life in New York, and his interactions with prominent figures and society events of his time. The text serves as a personal memoir that captures the essence of elite social gatherings and the evolving customs of high society. The opening of the book sets the tone for a nostalgic journey into the past as McAllister recounts the lives of his parents, particularly highlighting his mother’s beauty and kindness alongside his father's noble character. He shares anecdotes from his childhood, such as building bonfires and his early social experiences. As he transitions to discussing his time in New York, he introduces the reader to the intricate social dynamics he navigated, including families, balls, and the influence of wealthy patrons. McAllister's narrative style combines personal history with observational humor, promising readers an engaging insight into the social elite's world during the period.