Society as I Have Found It (eBook)

Ward McAllister (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
173 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654724819-4 (EAN)

Infos

In "Society as I Have Found It," Ward McAllister provides a candid and richly detailed portrait of the New York elite during the Gilded Age, a period characterized by opulence and social stratification. His narrative is imbued with sharp wit and an engaging prose style, which captures the complexities and contradictions of high society. McAllister's observations encompass the social rituals, cultural dynamics, and the often fraught relationships that defined elite interactions, offering a unique lens through which to explore the sociopolitical landscape of America in the late 19th century. Ward McAllister, a prominent social figure and autobiographer of his time, was deeply entrenched in the world he depicts in his work. A self-made man, McAllister rose to prominence as a social arbiter and commentator, known for his involvement in influential circles. His firsthand experiences and keen observations of societal norms and expectations provided him with the material necessary to craft an incisive critique of the social order, informed by the complexities of his own ambitions and encounters among the affluent. "Society as I Have Found It" is not merely a memoir but an essential historical document that invites readers to explore the intricacies of class and culture in an era marked by change. It is a recommendable read for anyone interested in American history, social dynamics, and the enduring impacts of class on human relationships.

Autor

Ward McAllister (1827–1895) was a prominent figure in the New York City social elite of the Gilded Age, known for his role in the development of the concept of 'The Four Hundred,' a term denoting the socially elite class of the city. Born in Savannah, Georgia, McAllister moved to New York, where he became a noted arbiter of high society. His book 'Society as I Have Found It,' published in 1890, is a seminal work that provides a detailed account of the rituals, customs, and social hierarchy of America's upper echelon during this period. This memoir is not merely a recount of social events and personalities but a critical resource for understanding the socio-cultural dynamics of late 19th-century American aristocracy. McAllister's writing style is both grandiose and instructive, giving readers an insider view of the ostentatious lifestyles led by the wealthy of his time. The book remains a valuable source for historians and sociologists studying the patterns of social behavior and the formation of social elites in post-Civil War America. His rich descriptions of balls, dinners, and the importance of genealogy within the social structure of the time provide a clear depiction of the values and practices of American high society. McAllister's work distinguished him as a notable cultural chronicler whose observations have helped shape our understanding of American social history.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 4.9.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur
• Themenwelt: Sozialwissenschaften ► Ethnologie ► Volkskunde
• Themenwelt: Sozialwissenschaften ► Soziologie ► Spezielle Soziologien
• Schlagworte: 19th century etiquette • 19th century society novels • american classic literature • American upper class • antebellum society stories • aristocratic social commentary • Biography • Cultural Criticism • cultural history America • elite social circles • gilded age America • Gilded Age narratives • gilded age society • high society customs • historical non-fiction • historical society tales • Late 19th-century etiquette • New York • New York City high society • New York elite • privileged lifestyle anecdotes • Satirical observations • social commentary fiction • Social hierarchy commentary • social hierarchy insights • socialite authors • Socialite Memoirs • socialites • State • upper class lifestyle literature • Victorian era customs • Ward McAllister books • Ward McAllister insights • wealthy class portrayal