The Vanderbilt Feud by Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr.
Vanderbilt, Cornelius, Jr. The Vanderbilt Feud, The Fabulous Story of Grace Wilson Vanderbilt. First English Edition. 1957. Book is in very good minus condition; dust jacket is in good plus condition—pages show occasional foxing; dust jacket shows chipping, edge tears, and soiling to back cover (but difficult to find in any condition).
Ever wonder what how the story of Romeo and Juliet might have played out had instead of dying, they defied their families and eloped? If this engrossing memoir is any indication, happily ever after might have proved elusive. The Romeo here is Cornelius “Neily” Vanderbilt (a great grandson and the heir-apparent of the legendary Commodore). His star-crossed lover is the beautiful and gregarious Grace Wilson. They married against the wishes of his parents—a mystery since Grace was from a charming but respectable family (albeit with a reputation for social climbing). Partially disinherited, Neily and Grace still manage to live lavishly, and Grace, through sheer force of will, gradually became the Mrs. Vanderbilt of her generation. With mid-20th Century hindsight, their son, Cornelius, Jr., fascinatingly relates this Gilded Age story. Relying memory, personal records and family archives, he makes the case that his Vanderbilt grandparents were correct; Grace and Cornelius were not well suited. This English edition has a catchier title than its American counterpart and the better dust jacket illustration, featuring the massive malachite vase at 634 Fifth Avenue, the vast Vanderbilt chateau, which Neily and Grace inherited despite their ostracism (courtesy of an irrevocable trust). The author is their son, who became a journalist and author.
“’I like to lead a well-rounded life,’ was an expression Mother used all the time. By this she meant that she liked to be in various parts of the world when the social season was on.” (p. 189)
--Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr.