The Glitter and the Gold - by Consuela Vanderbilt Balsan

About the Book

A new edition of Balsan's memoir--the story of the "real" Lady Grantham of "Downton Abbey." Balsan was young, beautiful, and heir to a vast fortune. She was also in love with an American suitor when her mother chose instead for her to marry an English Duke. She soon became part of a intricate hierarchy and witness to a life of glamor.

Book Synopsis

A new edition of Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan's memoir―the story of the "real" Gladys Russell of The Gilded Age.

Consuelo Vanderbilt was young, beautiful, and heir to a vast fortune. She was also in love with an American suitor when her mother chose instead for her to marry an English Duke. She sailed to England as the Duchess of Marlborough in 1895 and took up residence in her new home―Blenheim Palace. She was the real American heiress who lived long before Gladys Russell of The Gilded Age arrived.

Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan was a generous, welcoming, and amused observer of the intricate hierarchy in which she lived - both upstairs and downstairs. She was a perceptive witness to glittering balls, huge weekend parties, and major state occasions she attended or hosted allowing her to chronicle her encounters with every important figure of the day―from Queen Victoria, Edward VII and Queen Alexandra to Tsar Nicholas and the young Winston Churchill.

The Glitter and the Gold is a richly enjoyable memoir and a revealing true portrait of a time and the life of a young woman now being celebrated every week in The Gilded Age.

Review Quotes

"A woman of poise, beauty, and charm looks back on her life at the very center of the most opulent and aristocratic society of three countries, the United States, Britain, and France . . . and emerges . . . a woman of courage, public spirit refinement, and surprisingly democratic convictions." --The New York Times

"Consuelo Vanderbilt was the original poor little rich girl. A wonderful account of the glitz and glamour of the Gilded Age and how money really can't buy you love." --Daisy Goodwin, author of The American Heiress

About the Author

CONSEULO VANDERBILT BALSAN was born in 1877. She became the Duchess of Marlborough on her marriage in 1895. She died in 1964.