The Gilded Age in America was once of opulence, excessive spending, and lost fortunes. I’ve always been fascinated with the amount of sheer wealth and spending that took place during this time in history, so naturally I was obsessed with HBO’s The Gilded Age from the start. The period drama showcases everything we go through as part of the human race: love, honor, wealth, betrayal, death, morals, and more. The third season just wrapped up with an unbelievable finale and I’m dying to see what’s next. If you’ve watched Downton Abbey and are looking for something similar, trust me try this.
The Gilded Age was a time of corruption and unbelievable gain in wealth mostly in New York. During the Gilded Age the United States became the leading industrial nation in the world, built a powerful navy, defeated a world power, and acquired a large overseas empire. (Rutherford R Hayes Presidential Library and Museums) If you’re interested in learning more about this time in history, there are several books you’ll find on the subject. Some of my favorites include:
An American Beauty by Shana Abe
The Gilded Age in New York by Esther Crain
Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of An American Dynasty by Anderson Cooper
The Social Graces by Renee Rosen
American Duchess by Karen Harper
If you know of any more, please send me a recommendation!
Library of Congress
Museum of the City of New York
Photo Recall/Alamy Stock Photo
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