Gilded city
Subtitle: scandal and sensation in turn-of-the-century New York
By: M.H. Dunlop.
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: W. Morrow
Published: 2000
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 296
Subjects: Rich people -- New York (State) -- New York -- Social life and customs -- 19th century.; Wealth -- Social aspects -- New York (State) -- New York -- History -- 19th century.; Scandals -- New York (State) -- New York -- History -- 19th century.; Sensationalism in journalism -- New York (State) -- New York -- History -- 19th century.; New York (N.Y.) -- History -- 1865-1898.; New York (N.Y.) -- Social life and customs -- 19th century.
Genres: 19th century.
Description: "The dark side of the Gilded Age is revealed in this new view of turn-of-the-century New York. American culture scholar M. H. Dunlop penetrates the psyche of New York City in the pivotal years made famous by Edith Wharton and by families like the Vanderbilts and the Rockefellers, unveiling a Gilded Age that was not genteel and proper but dangerous and predatory. She shows us a society whose drives and desires speak familiarly to our own.".

"Drawing on rare primary sources, Dunlop focuses each chapter on an event - whether infamous or near-forgotten - that showcases a singular facet of America as reflected in its most prominent city.

The passions and preoccupations of the time emerge in Dunlop's edgy portraits of sensational events that riveted the public, including a wealthy society wedding where locals were trampled in their frenzy to watch; a bachelor dinner during which men sliced off the girl dancers' dresses; the harrowing nine-hour execution of a zoo elephant diagnosed with sexual frustration; and more."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [277]-287) and index.