Astor

The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune

by Anderson Cooper & Katherine Howe

Astor (2023) spans over two centuries, detailing the rise and fall of a prominent family whose ambition built America’s first great fortune. It captures the lavish lifestyle and mistakes that ultimately led to their decline, offering a captivating family saga and a reflection on changing class dynamics in America.

About the Authors

Anderson Cooper is a renowned American political commentator and broadcast journalist, known for his historical non-fiction and memoirs like Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of An American Dynasty, Dispatches from the Edge, and The World of Gloria Vanderbilt.

Katherine Howe is a New York Times bestselling author recognized for her historical fiction and non-fiction. She has received accolades like the 2015 Massachusetts Book Award for Young Adult Fiction. Howe co-authored Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of An American Dynasty and edited The Penguin Book of Witches.

Explore the Astor Family's Dramatic Rise and Fall

The Astor family once symbolized New York's elite society, embodying ambition, power, and immense wealth. As America's first prominent dynasty, their journey from rags to riches is a classic tale. But their remarkable ascent eventually led to a dramatic downfall.

John Jacob Astor, an immigrant with humble beginnings, built a multi-million dollar empire through shrewd strategies and bold vision. His descendants reigned over Gilded Age real estate and high society. However, over the years, poor decisions and extravagance caused their fortune to shrink.

This summary charts the family's journey from frontier fur traders to high society icons and ultimately to tabloid fodder. It highlights broader themes in America's shifting class structure over two centuries and serves as a warning: without careful management, even the grandest empires can collapse.