There seem to be some expectations of this book in the reviews that the title clears up right away. This is a book about an American *fortune*, not just this American *family*. Therefore, sections like those on tenement life in NYC, the Titanic, and actress Mary Astor (no relation) are relevant to the overall story of this fortune and its impact on America.

I appreciated that “Astor” didn’t put the family on a pedestal. This was a very honest story, showing warts and all. The Astors seemed like humans, not the gilded gods and goddesses they were treated like for decades.

I found the writing stronger and more consistent than “Vanderbilt”. It might be because Cooper had such personal ties to that story as opposed to this one. However, his access to the elite allowed for interesting first person information relevant to the Astors.

I would love to learn even more about the orphan Astors covered in this book. I hadn’t heard of them prior and their story seemed harrowing. Hint hint, Anderson!