The Gilded Age might just be one of the most fascinating periods in history. A moment in time when fortunes were made, legacies cemented — and the rift between the “Old Money” and “New Money” took hold, establishing class lines that lasted for generations. The marvelous dresses, historical buildings, and family legacies, estates and heirs all make for fabulous fodder. If you loved HBO’s hit new series The Gilded Age, check out a few of these bestselling novels that will have you feeling like a member of America’s ruling elite.
The Social Graces by Renée Rosen | Berkley
One of the most dazzling battles of the Gilded Age wasn’t fought with guns and grenades but with parties and panache. This breathtaking tale from master storyteller Renee Rosen takes readers inside the feud between Alva Vanderbilt, a part of New York’s nouveau riche, and Caroline Astor, its old monied queen. Rosen balances humor and heart with the opulence of the Gilded Age to create a story that will stick with readers long after the final page.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis | Dutton
The Frick, one of New York City’s most impressive mansions and art collections is the backdrop for Fiona Davis’ latest glittering novel. Scandal, intrigue and a peek into how the other half lives make this story of both the Frick family and New York’s original “supermodel” an absolute must-read.
Read BookTrib’s review here.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki | Ballantine
The amazing life of Marjorie Post — from her great loves to her cereal empire — makes for a fascinating page-turner. Post’s family journey from financial struggle to amassing millions is a true Gilded Age fairy tale that still resonates today.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray | Berkley
The story of Belle da Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian, is an inspiring tale of one of the most brilliant and extraordinary keepers of knowledge of the art and book worlds. Belle achieved incredible things in her life — all while protecting the secret that, as a Black woman, she cultivated an existence as a white woman to rise to great heights in a racist society.
Watch BookTrib’s interview with the authors here.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton | Berkley
From the gilded gates of New York City to the unforgiving bars of one of Cuba’s most infamous prisons, Chanel Cleeton takes readers on a fast-paced, impeccably researched journey. Grace Harrington lands a job at William Randolph Hearst’s newspaper — and discovers a story about unfairly incarcerated Evangelina Cisneros that will change her career and life as she knows it.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey | Gallery Books
Sparkling with all the southern charm we’ve come to love and expect from Kristy Woodson Harvey, her latest novel takes us from the present day back to the Gilded Age where the famous Biltmore Estate is as much a character as Edith and Cornelia Vanderbilt themselves. Spanning nearly 100 years, the secrets behind a family heirloom, in the form of a wedding veil, come to light in this unforgettable novel.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
A Well Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler | St. Martin’s Griffin
Alva Vanderbilt nearly single-handedly defined the socially ambitious woman of the Gilded Age. In A Well Behaved Woman, we follow her rise from near poverty, to her courtship and marriage to William K. Vanderbilt, one of the wealthiest men in America at the time. Infused with all the glamor and glitz of the era, we witness Alva shift her aspirations from ruling society to her passionate fight for women’s suffrage. Though she may have sold her only daughter to a duke, history would be hard-pressed to find a more progressive woman.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
American Duchess by Karen Harper | William Morrow
One of Harper’s final novels takes a deep dive into the privileged and tragic life of Consuelo Vanderbilt and her marriage to the 9th Duke of Marlborough. This loveless match, brokered by Consuelo’s headstrong mother, Alva, is told in glorious splendor. Largely regarded as the original dollar princess, this story of America’s most celebrated heiress will delight fans of both The Gilded Age and Downton Abbey.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
Our Kind of People by Carol Wallace | Putnam
Etiquette and adhering to convention served as the cornerstone for high society during the Gilded Age. So when Helen Wilcox, a Knickerbocker from Old New York money, goes against the grain by marrying a man she loves, despite his being beneath her station, she is in for a bumpy ride. And so are her two daughters who are about to enter society and must choose between love and social position.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton | Penguin Classics
It’s only befitting that this list includes The Age Of Innocence, which many consider to be the gold standard of Gilded Age novels. This Pulitzer Prize-winning classic captures the opulent time period with an authenticity that could have only come from a true insider. Edith Wharton was herself a Knickerbocker, part of old New York’s elite, and she masterfully crafted Newland Archer’s heart-aching tale of forbidden love and family honor.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop
The Social Graces by Renée Rosen
One of the most dazzling battles of the Gilded Age wasn’t fought with guns and grenades but with parties and panache. This breathtaking tale from master storyteller Renee Rosen takes readers inside the feud between Alva Vanderbilt, a part of New York’s nouveau riche, and Caroline Astor, its old monied queen. Rosen balances humor and heart with the opulence of the Gilded Age to create a story that will stick with readers long after the final page.
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis
The Frick, one of New York City’s most impressive mansions and art collections is the backdrop for Fiona Davis’ latest glittering novel. Scandal, intrigue and a peek into how the other half lives make this story of both the Frick family and New York’s original “supermodel” an absolute must-read.
Read BookTrib’s review here.
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
The amazing life of Marjorie Post — from her great loves to her cereal empire — makes for a fascinating page-turner. Post’s family journey from financial struggle to amassing millions is a true Gilded Age fairy tale that still resonates today.
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
The story of Belle da Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian, is an inspiring tale of one of the most brilliant and extraordinary keepers of knowledge of the art and book worlds. Belle achieved incredible things in her life — all while protecting the secret that, as a Black woman, she cultivated an existence as a white woman to rise to great heights in a racist society.
The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton
From the gilded gates of New York City to the unforgiving bars of one of Cuba’s most infamous prisons, Chanel Cleeton takes readers on a fast-paced, impeccably researched journey. Grace Harrington lands a job at William Randolph Hearst’s newspaper — and discovers a story about unfairly incarcerated Evangelina Cisneros that will change her career and life as she knows it.
The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Sparkling with all the southern charm we’ve come to love and expect from Kristy Woodson Harvey, her latest novel takes us from the present day back to the Gilded Age where the famous Biltmore Estate is as much a character as Edith and Cornelia Vanderbilt themselves. Spanning nearly 100 years, the secrets behind a family heirloom, in the form of a wedding veil, come to light in this unforgettable novel.
A Well Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler
Alva Vanderbilt nearly single-handedly defined the socially ambitious woman of the Gilded Age. In A Well Behaved Woman, we follow her rise from near poverty, to her courtship and marriage to William K. Vanderbilt, one of the wealthiest men in America at the time. Infused with all the glamor and glitz of the era, we witness Alva shift her aspirations from ruling society to her passionate fight for women’s suffrage. Though she may have sold her only daughter to a duke, history would be hard-pressed to find a more progressive woman.
American Duchess by Karen Harper
One of Harper’s final novels takes a deep dive into the privileged and tragic life of Consuelo Vanderbilt and her marriage to the 9th Duke of Marlborough. This loveless match, brokered by Consuelo’s headstrong mother, Alva, is told in glorious splendor. Largely regarded as the original dollar princess, this story of America’s most celebrated heiress will delight fans of both The Gilded Age and Downton Abbey.
Our Kind of People by Carol Wallace
Etiquette and adhering to convention served as the cornerstone for high society during the Gilded Age. So when Helen Wilcox, a Knickerbocker from Old New York money, goes against the grain by marrying a man she loves, despite his being beneath her station, she is in for a bumpy ride. And so are her two daughters who are about to enter society and must choose between love and social position.
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
It’s only befitting that this list includes The Age Of Innocence, which many consider to be the gold standard of Gilded Age novels. This Pulitzer Prize-winning classic captures the opulent time period with an authenticity that could have only come from a true insider. Edith Wharton was herself a Knickerbocker, part of old New York’s elite, and she masterfully crafted Newland Archer’s heart-aching tale of forbidden love and family honor.
