Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating but a little exclusionary
Review: As a Hamptons native who has moved away from the area, I was very interested by the idea of the book. It read a lot like "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," with eccentric real-life characters (though no transvestites) and squabbles that are funny to anyone not involved in the situation. However, it seemed rather caught up in mainly covering the socially elite of the Hamptons and was rather rude in its constant dismissal of any Hamptons other than Southampton or East Hampton (Gaines sniffed several times that Westhampton, for instance, should've been called "Dentisthampton"). I think an excellent follow-up, or companion, volume to this book would be if Gaines were to find the same types of fascinating people and stories in the not-so-exclusive Hamptons.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating but a little exclusionary
Review: As a Hamptons native who has moved away from the area, I was very interested by the idea of the book. It read a lot like "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," with eccentric real-life characters (though no transvestites) and squabbles that are funny to anyone not involved in the situation. However, it seemed rather caught up in mainly covering the socially elite of the Hamptons and was rather rude in its constant dismissal of any Hamptons other than Southampton or East Hampton (Gaines sniffed several times that Westhampton, for instance, should've been called "Dentisthampton"). I think an excellent follow-up, or companion, volume to this book would be if Gaines were to find the same types of fascinating people and stories in the not-so-exclusive Hamptons.
Rating:
Summary: HOOTHAMPTON
Review: As a rule, compassion for swells makes only an occasional, tiny, brief blip on my radar screen. It's a testament to Steven Gaines's skills as a story teller that I found myself engrossed in and sympathetic to the problems of these over-privileged Hamptonites. Obnoxious neighbors, dysfunctional relatives, and inept governing bodies are universal conditions no matter how many or few zeros in your bank account. An elitist book? Maybe. An amusing and entertaining read? Definitely!
Rating: 
Summary: Riveting reading, even for year-round Hamptons resident
Review: As someone who has spent summers in the Hamptons since the age of 3 and who is now a year-round resident, I thought I knew everything about the area. Nevertheless, I was riveted by Gaines' story-telling. This saga of the invention of the American Riviera is as much of a fireplace read as a beach read!
Rating:
Summary: A worthy read...
Review: Everyone heads to the shore in the summer to play in the ocean and mingle with the rich and privileged. Open Gaines' book and discover the wonderful steamy, seamy side of that privilege. Just because someone has plenty of money doesn't mean that they have plenty of sense. Reading Philsitines at the Hedgerow is like peeking through a porthole into a first-class cabin on a luxury liner. One sees aspects of being rich--filthy rich--that one never expected. Gaines is a professional. His writing is beautiful, clear, and logical. His attention to detail is so obvious that no one would ever question his research. If you love detail, if you love "real writing", read Philistines.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Summer Read
Review: Gaines has written an un-put-down-able story about The Hamptons -- the people, the place, the rivalries, the prejudices, the history, and, of course, the fabulous homes. Be prepared for a great read -- this is a book that you'll finish in one or two sittings and you'll come away with more than enough stories to be the most interesting person at the next ten dinner parties you attend. Phillistines is a much, much better book than the excerpt from the NY Times review posted above leads you to believe. (The Kirkus critic is the one who read the same book as I did.) Go for it!!
Rating:
Summary: A story of the narcotic effect of wealth gone extreme!
Review: Gaines magnetic presentation of the quest for legitimacy and status by the nouveau riche and their clash with the old-monied, Mayflower plank owners who desperately cling to the blue-blooded rules of order and "code" caused me to miss some outstanding natural beauty during our recent cruise of New Zealand. A captivating read for most of us!
Rating:
Summary: True- to- life tell- all
Review: Having resided in East Hampton every summer of my life save one form mid- may to late August, I can safely say that this book is not only well- written and stylish but also true to fact- for instace, my father was invited to the Weatherill coming-out and is in the famous "group mug shot" on the steps of Ocean Castle- he can attest that the names and events mentioned are not only faithful to the truth- but entertaining also.
Rating:
Summary: TERRIFIC READ!
Review: I loved this book. The author has written a social history of the Hamptons that's a real page-turner. The characters are fascinating and he evokes a sense of place that makes you feel the author knows every nook and cranny of his subject. The book creates an historical tapestry stretching from pre-Revolutionary days to an end- of-the-millenium July 4th party. It would be easy to take potshots at the rich and richers who live in the Hamptons, but the author, who sees these characters with a clear and discerning eye, never condescends. The book moves so quickly I finished it in one sitting. This is my favorite kind of book-- a non-fiction book that reads like a novel. Because of the subject, some people might consider this a summer read, but I found this to be THE perfect book to read during a recent snowstorm. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Magnificent blend of history and present day follies ...
Review: I read the book like one savors a delectable morsel of some rare treat - slowly, deliberately, trying to make every bite last an eternity.Stephen Gaines managed to capture in great detail not only the fascinating and unique history of this town but he artfully blended in the hilarious shenanigans that color today's East Hampton. Most Hamptons visitors and probably most recent residents are unfortunately not aware of this town's character beyond the "rich & famous" banalities usually reported in the tabloid press. What partied-out summer reveler can tell you that: 1. The East Hampton Trustees, a body of private citizens, own the waterways to this day through a decree by King George and not even the U.S. Federal Government has succeeded in successfully challenging this right? 2. The oldest cattle ranch is in Montauk, not some place in the West? 3. Amagansett was the only location in the U.S. that was ever invaded by the Nazis in WW2? 4. Captain Kidd's treasure is buried somewhere off the shores of East Hampton? 5. Gardiner Island is owned by a man who holds his title from King George These and countless other fascinating tidbits were carefully researched and documented in the book along with the bizarre and outlandish behavior of some of our local celebrities. This is a fascinating book that educates the reader through an entertaining style a la Hard Copy. Really a must read!
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