The Last Castle

Muy interesante excelente lectura durante la pandemia.

The Last Castle is an enjoyable read, it gives the reader both an appreciation of how George Washington Vanderbilt envisioned and set out to build his beautiful mansion, as well as preserve the forest around Biltmore by establish a forestry school. George W Vanderbilt, was wealthy, he inherited money from his father and his grandfather the Commodore, however in building Biltmore he never laid out a budget or plan he just decided what he wanted and hired the best, like William Law Olmstead for the grounds and Richard Morris Hunt for the Mansion. As a result, Biltmore House was incredibly expensive to erect and subsequently operate, and as a result, it severely and irreparably impacted the family’s finances. He left numerous rooms unfinished, like the music room which was never finished till 1976. Denise Kiernan also introduces us to Edith Stuyvesant Dresser and how her background compares to her future husband George Washington Vanderbilt. Edith also had strong lineage, she was descendant of Peter Stuyvesant but she was not wealthy, however her family was well off, she was a "well brought up young lady". When she married George,she strived to protect both Biltmore House and the Asheville area and ensure that her husband’s legacy would remain, after he died suddenly. Her story is intrical part of Biltmore's story past and future. Kiernan doesn't just tell you about the people that make up the building of Biltmore, but she also incorporated historical content to the time line. Such what historical events that effect the Dresser and Vanderbilt family, as the Titanic, the sinking of the Lusitania, WWI, the depression, and then WWII. She will also take facts and details from the late 1800’s to the death of George and Edith’s daughter Cornelia’s death in 1976. The highlights for me were the descriptions of John Singer Sargent painting various portraits at Biltmore House, the innovative refrigeration, wiring and elevator systems installed at the house, that Teddy Roosevelt was visiting Biltmore House when the idea for the teddy bear came about, and that Edith’s second marriage was to Elbridge Gerry, the individual who inspired the term “gerrymandering”. The look into the gilded age, was truly a wonderful and enlightening read. I have been Biltmore and it is truly a beauty among the mountains. I recommend you read "The Last Castle" before you go or even after, you won't be disappointed.

Very well researched, beautifully written, reminded me of Downton Abby in its description of the times, places and People. I highly recommend this Book. I have visited the Biltmore Estate, this Book has inspired me to tour the Estate again. A Book to treasure!

A really good read, well written and only wish I had read this book before visiting Biltmore.

Good read, writer pulls everything together well.