The Last Castle
The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation's Largest Home
By: Denise Kiernan
A New York Times bestseller with an "engaging narrative and array of detail” (The Wall Street Journal), the “intimate and sweeping” (Raleigh News & Observer) untold, true story behind the Biltmore Estate—the largest, grandest private residence in North America, which has seen more than 120 years of history pass by its front door. The story of Biltmore spans World Wars, the Jazz Age, the Depression, and generations of the famous Vanderbilt family, and features a captivating cast of real-life characters including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Wolfe, Teddy Roosevelt, John Singer Sargent, James Whistler, Henry James, and Edith Wharton. Orphaned at a young age, Edith Stuyvesant Dresser claimed lineage from one of New York’s best known families. She grew up in Newport and Paris, and her engagement and marriage to George Vanderbilt was one of the most watched events of Gilded Age society. But none of this prepared her to be mistress of Biltmore House. Before their marriage, the wealthy and bookish Vanderbilt had dedicated his life to creating a spectacular European-style estate on 125,000 acres of North Carolina wilderness. He summoned the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted to tame the grounds, collaborated with celebrated architect Richard Morris Hunt to build a 175,000-square-foot chateau, filled it with priceless art and antiques, and erected a charming village beyond the gates. Newlywed Edith was now mistress of an estate nearly three times the size of Washington, DC and benefactress of the village and surrounding rural area. When fortunes shifted and changing times threatened her family, her home, and her community, it was up to Edith to save Biltmore—and secure the future of the region and her husband’s legacy. This is the fascinating, “soaring and gorgeous” (Karen Abbott) story of how the largest house in America flourished, faltered, and ultimately endured to this day.
AI Overview
Overview of "The Last Castle" by Denise Kiernan:
Plot Summary: "The Last Castle" by Denise Kiernan is a non-fiction book that delves into the fascinating history of the Biltmore Estate, the largest and grandest residence ever built in the United States. The story centers around George Vanderbilt, a wealthy and bookish man who dedicated his life to erecting a European-style estate on 125,000 acres in Asheville, North Carolina. The estate was designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscaper Frederick Law Olmsted, featuring a 4-acre footprint with 250 rooms, 35 bedrooms, and 43 bathrooms.
The book chronicles the creation of the property, its contents, and the Vanderbilt family's life within it. It also explores George Vanderbilt's marriage to Edith Stuyvesant Dresser and their daughter, Cornelia. After George's early death at 51, Edith took charge of managing the estate, making many competent decisions until Cornelia came of age. The book then follows the transition of ownership to the British Cecil family, who successfully maintained and expanded the estate's operations, including its tours, vineyard, hotels, and various recreational activities.
Key Themes:
- Gilded Age Excesses: The book vividly portrays the excesses of the Gilded Age, highlighting the opulence and extravagance of the Vanderbilt family's lifestyle.
- Family Saga: It is a family saga that spans two world wars, detailing the struggles and triumphs of the Vanderbilt and Cecil families.
- Fortitude and Survival: The narrative emphasizes themes of fortitude and survival, particularly in the face of death, divorce, and economic challenges.
- Cultural and Architectural Significance: The book explores the cultural and architectural significance of the Biltmore Estate, including its famous contents such as large-scale family portraits by John Singer Sargent and a magnificent baroque painting by Pellegrini.
Critical Reception:
- Positive Reception: The book has received positive reviews for its passionately researched and engaging narrative. Critics have praised Kiernan for her ability to bring the history of the Biltmore Estate to life, making it accessible and compelling for readers.
- Mixed Opinions: Some reviewers have noted that while Kiernan is thorough in her descriptions of the estate and its contents, her portrayal of George Vanderbilt as a scholar might be disputed, with some suggesting he was more of a dilettante.
Overall, "The Last Castle" is a meticulously researched and engaging book that offers a comprehensive look at the history of the Biltmore Estate and the Vanderbilt family, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical narratives and architectural wonders.