<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: A Washington Salon - 1880-1910
Review: The book is not intellectually deep, but is most enjoyable. It provides a view of a small American elite representing a transitional society between the late Civil War and early 19th century. It centers on five diverse people who, by chance, formed a unizue Washington social and intellectual salon mostly centering on themselves, but benefitting from each member's extensive contacts in the U.S. and France (to a lesser extent). The five were Henry Adams (descendant of two Presidents), his wife, Clover, John Hay (Secretary to Lincoln and Sec of State at the turn of the century), his wife, and Clarence King, the firs head of the U.S. Geological survey. Adams and Hay built large homes on the north of Layafette Square which became the center of the salon (the sites are occupied by the Hay Adams Hotel). The focus is on the personalities and interests of these unique characters, the depiction of life at the heart of our capitol, and references to art and architecture integral to Washington of that era, but which led to a broader influence along the east coast particularly. In a very concrete setting, the author deals with love, tragedy, and the political and intellectual curiosit which dominated these people's lives. None has really survived in the public consciousness, but all played significant roles in their time and deserve this interest in what made their lives.
<< 1 >>
| 
