Alva and Consuela Vanderbilt - a glimpse into the past

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A while back I read a non-fiction book entitled Consuelo and Alva Vanderbilt and written by Amanda Mackenzie Stuart. The Vanderbilts were once America’s richest family, and it would be impossible to tell their story in a few short paragraphs. However, Consuelo was one of the greatest heiresses of the late 19th century and, at the insistence of her mother, ended up marrying into one of Great Britain’s most influential families, the Marlboroughs. What intrigued me most about the book was the extravagant life-style of the rich of that era. The book describes some of the lavish parties that Alva held, with people desperate for an invitation, and newspapers giving detailed, gossipy accounts of such occasions. Dinner parties were also grand occasions consisting of upwards of five courses. Alva manipulated the newspapers for her own ends and was absolutely insistent that Consuelo would ensnare the Duke of Marlborough. The marriage linked the Vanderbilts with the peerage and ensured a much-needed influx of funds for the Marlboroughs. It was an interesting read. The photo is from the luxury liner, Queen Mary II.