Treasured Island - by Michael Gross (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A hugely entertaining social history of the elite and exclusive Caribbean island of St. Barthélemy from the New York Times bestselling author of Model and 740 Park.

St. Barthelemy is revered for its luxury, its stunning beaches and its VIP fans. Those who've either been there or hope to go, know St. Bart's--or St. Barth, depending on your level of Francophilia--as the place for the beautiful people, the ultimate see-and-be-seen scene.

Over three decades, acclaimed social chronicler Michael Gross has taken dozens of extended trips to this gorgeous, sultry paradise and knows it almost as a local. In his captivating and detailed history, this "premier chronicler of the rich" (Gay Talese) reveals how the island grew from a barren volcanic island with in-bred, impoverished residents and no creature comforts to an elite port of call where entertainment, tech, and fashion celebrities, old money, nouveau riche, and international oligarchs vie for tables in chic, expensive restaurants; where pristine beaches, superyachts, and spectacular hotels and lavish private villas are playgrounds for the American, European, and Asian upper class. And the locals have gotten rich off them all.

What Steven Gaines' Philistines at the Hedgerow did for the East End of Long Island, Treasured Island now does for the Caribbean. Like that book, this enticing and entertaining work combines impeccable reporting and delicious commentary. It is essential reading for everybody who is anybody--or wants to be.

Review Quotes

"Shamelessly dishy . . . delightfully attuned to irony, and Lauren's life story is full of it." - Washington Post on Genuine Authentic
"A sympathetic portrait . . . Gross does a fine job of revealing how the illusion of heritage and luxury, cultivated through lavish runway shows and advertising campaigns, sustains what is essentially a licensing business." - Booth Moore, Los Angeles Times, on Genuine Authentic
"Sprawling . . . energetic . . . Gross has obviously thought deeply about the machinations and meaning of the modeling business." - People on Model
"Hack(s) through the hype and half-truths. . . . A work of impressive reporting. . . . Mr. Gross tells an engaging story." - Cathy Horan, New York Times, on Genuine Authentic
"A page-turning exposé." - Vogue on Model