Description

"Not even Hollywood in its heyday could have dreamed up a melodrama so electrifying as the one that swirled around 10-year-old “Little Gloria” Vanderbilt in 1934 when she became the object of a scandalous custody battle between her beautiful but poor, and none too bright, mother, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, and her rich, powerful aunt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney whose own private life included several lovers and a pseudonymous novel about lesbianism. Taking the court case as her focal point, and documenting it every step of the way, Goldsmith has produced a book of fabulous readability. It is the psychological perception she brings to her story that grips so intensely, however. What she is chronicling is the whole passing parade of American and international high society at a time of tumultuous transition when the old guard was giving way to the new “café” society. And what a cast of characters she has?everything from royals (Thelma, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt’s twin, was mistress to the Prince of Wales), grande dames, a rigid Irish Catholic Tammany judge, and a “devoted,” hideously possessive nurse, to the terrified little girl, told her mother might kill her. Over it all loomed the aura of the Lindbergh kidnapping. Goldsmith probes the motives, the secrets, the hidden longings of them all credibly and compassionately in a book that will sell and sell and sell. This book has it all." -Publishers Weekly

Synopsis

Title: Little Gloria Happy At Last
Author/Publisher: Barbara Goldsmith (KNOPF)
Publication Year: 1980
Format: Hardcover with Dust Jacket

Published in 1980, Barbara Goldsmith's non-fiction work, "Little Gloria Happy At Last", delves into the early life of Gloria Vanderbilt, a prominent figure in American high society. This biography offers a detailed account of the events that shaped her childhood, setting it against the backdrop of immense wealth and public scrutiny.

The book centres on the notorious 1934 custody battle that engulfed 10-year-old Gloria. It vividly recounts the legal and personal drama between her mother, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, and her powerful aunt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, a sensational case that captivated the nation and exposed the private lives of one of America's most celebrated families.

• The Vanderbilt Dynasty: Explore the opulent world and complex legacy of the Vanderbilt family, providing crucial context for the dramatic events that unfolded during Gloria's formative years.
• A Childhood in Turmoil: The narrative examines the challenges faced by young Gloria, who became the focal point of a highly publicised family dispute that dominated headlines and courtrooms.
• The Infamous Custody Battle: Delve into the intricate details of the 1934 legal proceedings, revealing the societal norms, familial tensions, and legal strategies that played out during this landmark case.
• American High Society: Gain insight into the intricate social fabric of American high society during the era, as the lives and reputations of its elite members were thrust into the public eye.

This 1st Edition offers a compelling and thoroughly researched account of a pivotal moment in American social history, appealing to collectors and readers fascinated by biographies, legal dramas, and the lives of influential families.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Good condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

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