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Ever wondered what life was like during the Gilded Age?
With all the wealth, extravagance, and drama, it’s a period that practically begs to be explored through literature.
I have always been drawn to this period where fortunes were made overnight, and the gap between the rich and the poor seemed insurmountable.
It was a time when ambition knew no bounds, and society was on the brink of transformation.
If you’re as intrigued by this era as I am, the gilded age books on this list are going to be a real delectable treat.
They capture the essence of a time when the American Dream was both born and broken.
More importantly, they provide the most vivid glimpse into a world where glittering ballrooms masked fierce rivalries and change was always just around the corner.
1. The Social Graces by Renee Rosen
Set in Manhattan’s high society during the Gilded Age, this lovely book follows Caroline Astor, known as Mrs. Astor and Alva Vanderbilt.
Caroline is the queen of New York society, while Alva Vanderbilt married into a rich family and suffered because she was constantly rejected.
Their rivalry and ambitions spans more three decades and the book goes into the changing dynamics of women’s roles in society.
Part of the thing that always draws me to a gilded age book is the glitz, gossip, and glamour and this book delivers on both accounts wonderfully.
And, even better, we get to see two very fierce female leads struggle to find their place in a society that’s ever-changing.
2. The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
This novel delves into the mystery of Agatha Christie’s disappearance in 1926 which remains shrouded in mystery.
We get a fictionalised account of the affair between Archie Christie and Nan O’Dea, which raises questions about betrayal, motives for murder, and Nan’s involvement in the events surrounding Agatha’s infamous disappearance.
Agatha Christie disappeared for eleven days in 1926 and when she turned up on the eleventh day, she didn’t speak a word of what went down while she was away and there were reports that she’d suffered a nervous breakdown.
Interestingly, she divorced her husband Archibald Christie, who was notorious for his many affairs, in 1928, after he’d requested a divorce in the previous year.
Needless to say, rumours abound but she never spoke on them even until her death in 1976 at 85, and this book is a clever reimagination of the events leading up to her disappearance and the aftermath.
Agatha was born into high society and remained a member of the elite for her entire lifetime, so this is a perfect book that shows the scandals that characterised the gilded age.
3. The Address by Fiona Davis
In 1884 London, Sara Smythe, after a setback in her apprenticeship, rises to head housekeeper at a prestigious hotel.
But her life changes dramatically when Theodore Camden, an architect of New York’s renowned Dakota apartment house, offers her a job in America.
This opportunity promises not only career advancement but also a chance to manage The Dakota, an ambitious project touted as the world’s greatest apartment house.
While still grappling with this entirely foreign allure of a new life in America, Sara finds herself drawn to Theo, who lives in The Dakota with his family.
If you’ve ever wanted to view the gilded age from the vantage point of an outsider looking on but who’s still directly involved, this is the book for you.
Sara was a refreshing, relatable character I took a liking to from the very beginning and, together with the simple yet profound prose, this is a must-read.
4. The Fifth Avenue Artists Society by Joy Callaway
It’s 1881 and Virginia Loftin has dreamed of becoming a celebrated novelist and marrying her best friend Charlie, who’s also a member of Bronx’s upper echelons.
But when he proposes to someone else, Ginny retreats into rewriting their story and struggles to find literary success.
Her life takes a turn when she attends a salon at her brother’s friend John’s mansion on Fifth Avenue, where she blossoms when she gets tangled with New York’s artistic elite.
Caught between John’s growing affection, renewed feelings for Charlie, and a friend’s suspicious death, Ginny tries her best to work towards her happiness.
All books about the gilded age are different and this one in particular is one part glam and the other mystery.
Ginny must wrestle with the equally strong forces of a voracious ambition and passionate love if she wants to stand a chance to be happy.
The vibrant depiction of New York’s artistic society during this period is just the cherry on top. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good story about the tension between personal desires and societal expectations.
5. Our Kind of People by Carol Wallace
Helen Wilcox, from New York’s upper echelons, is determined to launch her daughters into society despite her unconventional marriage and precarious social position.
When her husband invests their fortunes in an ambitious elevated railroad project with promises to revolutionize the city, the family’s fate hangs in the balance.
As Jemima and Alice navigate the turbulent rise and fall of their family’s fortunes, they confront their identities and question their loves amidst a cutthroat society where every social interaction carries the weight of destiny.
The way Wallace portrays the social dynamics and pressures of the Gilded Age is incredibly gripping.
I was particularly drawn to the complex relationships between the characters and how they managed to weather the ups and downs of their social standing.
The book offers a deep dive into the world of New York’s elite and it’s a fascinating read for anyone interested in this era.
Also See: 21 Romantic Marriage In Crisis Historical Books That Will Steal Your Heart
6. The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller
In 1875, Alva Webster returns to New York to rebuild her life and restore Liefdehuis, a neglected mansion in Hyde Park, following the death of her abusive husband.
Despite dismissing rumors of hauntings, she reluctantly teams up with Samuel Moore, an unconventional scientist, to unravel the mysteries surrounding the mansion.
As they delve into Liefdehuis’s dark secrets, Sam’s charisma and determination challenge Alva’s resolve, forcing her to confront both the mansion’s past and her own guarded heart.
What immediately pulled me into The Widow of Rose House was the atmospheric setting and the blend of gothic mystery with a dash of romance.
Alva’s determination to reclaim her life and the mansion, despite her troubled past, made her a compelling character and the chemistry between Alva and Sam added a layer of warmth to the chilling, mysterious backdrop.
It’s the kind of story that makes you want to curl up with a blanket on a rainy day and get lost in the eerie charm of the Gilded Age.
7. The English Wife by Lauren Willig
Annabelle and Bayard Van Duyvil appear to live a perfect life in their Hudson mansion, Illyria, with their twins and so disgustingly in love.
However, Bayard is found dead with a knife in his chest during their Twelfth Night Ball, and Annabelle disappears, presumed drowned. Bay’s sister, Janie, teams up with a reporter to uncover the truth, believing Bay couldn’t have killed Annabelle.
As they delve deeper, Janie discovers unsettling truths about her brother and his wife, leading her to question everything she knew about their relationship and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Bay’s final moments.
One thing I found endlessly fascinating about The English Wife is the way the author weaves together mystery and family drama against the opulent backdrop of the Gilded Age.
The contrast between the glittering façade of the Van Duyvil’s life and the dark secrets that emerge makes for a thrilling read and it’s practically impossible to put down.
8. The Tiffany Girls by Shelley Noble
In 1899 Manhattan, the Women’s Division of the Tiffany Glass Company, known as the Tiffany Girls, toil anonymously on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s grand glass art for the Paris World’s Fair.
Emilie Pascal, seeking refuge from her past in Paris, forges her way into the studio to pursue her artistic dreams. Grace Griffith, a skilled glass cutter and secret political cartoonist, balances two identities. Clara Driscoll, the division’s manager, juggles her responsibilities and an obsession with a groundbreaking dragonfly lamp design.
Together, these women defy societal norms and pave the way for future working women in art, challenging the glass ceiling of their time.
The Tiffany Girls shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in art during the Gilded Age and it beautifully captures the determination and creativity of these women.
Each character’s journey is inspiring, and their collective struggle to break through societal barriers is both empowering and moving.
It’s a wonderful tribute to the unsung heroines of history who paved the way for future generations of women in the arts and the perfect read if you want to check out a book about the gilded age.
9. The Glitter and the Gold by Conseulo Vanderbilt Balsan
Consuelo Vanderbilt, a young American heiress, was initially in love with an American suitor, but her mother orchestrated her marriage to an English Duke instead.
In 1895, she became the Duchess of Marlborough and settled into Blenheim Palace. Her story predates the fictional Lady Grantham of Downton Abbey.
Mme. Balsan, an astute observer, recounts the complex social dynamics of both aristocracy and staff, from glittering balls to state occasions, offering insights into figures like Queen Victoria, Edward VII, Tsar Nicholas, and Winston Churchill.
This memoir provides a vivid glimpse into a bygone era celebrated in today’s fascination with Downton Abbey.
Consuelo recounts her life with a kind of raw authenticity that’s scathing and authentic in the best way possible.
It ’s one thing to read about the Gilded Age in fiction, but getting a firsthand account from someone who lived through it adds a whole new dimension.
The book offers a vivid, behind-the-scenes look at the glittering yet often isolating world of the elite and is a must-read for anyone interested in the real stories behind the glamour of the Gilded Age.
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10. Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell
In August 1895 Newport, Rhode Island, Emma Cross, a second cousin to Cornelius Vanderbilt and a society reporter, attends a lavish ball at the Breakers.
Amidst the opulence, she witnesses a murder: Cornelius’s financial secretary falls to his death from a balcony. Emma’s brother, Brady, is found unconscious in Cornelius’s room with incriminating evidence.
Convinced of his innocence, Emma investigates to uncover the true murderer, risking everything to clear her brother’s name in a high-stakes mystery set against the backdrop of Gilded Age wealth and intrigue.
Murder at the Breakers had me hooked because of its perfect blend of historical fiction and mystery.
If you’re a fan of mysteries set in glamorous, historical settings, this book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
11. Love On The Coast by Ciara Knight
In this historical tale set in America, Edward O’Neal, an Irish immigrant who has hidden his heritage, faces financial ruin when his partner absconds with money.
His last hope is his mail-order bride, Cora McKinnie, who arrives in San Francisco expecting a different future.
Despite initial tensions due to prejudices and misunderstandings, Edward and Cora must join forces to salvage his business and reputation.
Their unlikely partnership challenges them both personally and professionally, offering a chance for redemption and a new beginning in the face of adversity.
Edward and Cora’s unlikely partnership in the face of adversity is both heartwarming and inspiring.
And, you guys, their journey from mutual distrust to understanding and love is beautifully portrayed – it’s the most touching read about second chances.
The books on my list will give you a peek into this exciting time, from fancy New York mansions to the drama of the era.
Whether you love historical fiction, interesting biographies, or just want to understand this vibrant period better, there’s something here for you.
Got a favorite Gilded Age book or a recommendation? Drop it in the comments! And if you’re keen for more book suggestions and historical deep-dives, check out the related posts below!
