Berkshire Cottages: Vanishing Era

Rating:
Summary: The most informative and entertaining book on this subject
Review: It was to my great advantage to be spending the summer of 1992 in Lenox when I read this book, purchased from the local village. Carol Owens has provided a supurb look into the lives and lifestyles of the gilded aged super rich as well as an excellent portrayal of the architecture of the summer cottages of the Berkshires. Filled with historical facts and "twice-told tales", this book is a rare gem giving the reader a vivid and pictoral view point of life during this era among the social ellete and powerful industrial magnates. I was able to see many of the homes by using Owens' book as a tour guide. It was thoroughly fascinating! I even got a bit carried away when I decided to take an unauthorized tour of the massive (and deserted) 92 room Elm Court, once owned by Emily Vanderbilt Sloane White. The local police were less impressed with my venture. Lookout for the flowershop owner who works out of what used to be Elm Courts' carriage house--he is a real snitch. If you enjoy reading about the "400" and the gilded age or the architecture of this period, you must read this book. It is a real treasure!