<DIV>Mrs. Astor, undisputed queen of New York society in the decades before the First World War, created a social aristocracy of unparalleled extravagance and exclusivity. This lively account of her life and the era over which she presided sheds new light on the origins and lifestyle of this aristocracy.<BR>?An immensely interesting tale, and Homberger tells it well.”?Jonathan Yardley, <I>Washington Post Book World</I><BR>?In his elegant and extensive account Eric Homberger . . . recounts the details of real estate transactions, fancy-dress balls, upwardly mobile marriages, and exclusive enclaves . . . [incorporating] delightful bits of cultural information along the way.”?Marjorie Garber, <I>Boston Sunday Globe</I><BR>?Homberger's narrative has the verve and resonance of a novel by Edith Wharton.”?<I>Commercial Appeal (</I>Memphis, TN)<BR>?A rollicking, illuminating book.”?Clive Aslet, <I>Country Life</I></DIV>