When the Astors Owned New York: Blue Bloods and Grand Hotels in a Golden Age. By Justin Kaplan. (Penguin Group (USA), 2006. Pp. 208. Prologue, contents, acknowledgments, sources, index. $13)Justin Kaplan is an American novelist and editor known for his extensive selection of biographies. He even received a Pulitzer Prize for his biography of Mark Twain. When the Astor's Own New York: Blue Bloods and Grand Hotels in a Gilded Age, is just one example of Kaplan's many biographical novels. In summary, the novel takes a look at the rise and fall of the Astor family and how they made ordinary people feel luxurious. Overall, Kaplan really focuses on the insignificance of the rich and their appetite to be more superior than anyone else. Hence their desire to compete for bigger houses, more luxurious furniture, more expensive yachts and better hotels. However, the Astors competed even within their own family. The family fortune began in a German village called Waldorf by John Jacob Astor, the first millionaire, who opened the Astor House and had guests stay in private rooms. In time, the family feud began with John Jacob Astor's two grandsons, John Jacob Astor III and William Backhouse Astor Jr., who wanted to reach the heights of wealth and fame, even if it meant losing money. compete. In turn, the Brothers transmitted the feud to each of their descendants. Their sons were John Jacob Astor IV and William Waldorf Astor, cousins, who ended the family feud and founded the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1897. In fact, the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel was actually two hotels connected together with the possibility of cutting off access between them. both if the treaty failed. William was first defeated in politics,...... middle of paper...... York's Finest Buildings. Nevertheless, the novel is able to focus not only on the lives of the cousins, John Jacob Astor IV and William Waldorf Astor in the 19th century, but also on their family history and social lives. and Grand Hotels in a Gilded Age, is a very interesting but well-informed biography. In fact, I would recommend it to the average reader and serious bookworm. The novel is very informative and, in my opinion, one of the best biographies I have had the pleasure of reading. Kaplan is a talented biographer, and his works should be used to gain a broader view of the subjects. (Penguin Group (USA), 2006. Pp. 208. Prologue, content, acknowledgments, sources, index. $13)