In days of old, kings and princesses dwelt in elaborate abodes.
The intrigue of these still-standing edifices comes alive within the pages of these books.
Story by Judy Spaar
The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss and American Royalty in the Nation’s Largest Home
~ by Denise Kiernan
The story of Biltmore, the largest private home in America, spans World Wars, the Jazz Age, the Depression and generations of the famous Vanderbilt family, and features a cast of real-life characters including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Wolfe, Teddy Roosevelt and others. Orphaned at a young age, Edith Stuyvesant Dresser claimed lineage from one of New York’s best-known families. Her engagement and marriage to George Vanderbilt was one of the era’s most-watched events. But none of this prepared her to be mistress of Biltmore House. Before marrying Edith, Vanderbilt had dedicated his life to creating a spectacular European-style estate on 125,000 acres of North Carolina wilderness and building a 175,000-square-foot chateau, filled with priceless art and antiques, and erecting a charming village beyond the gates. Newlywed Edith became mistress of an estate nearly three times the size of Washington, DC and benefactress of the village and surrounding rural area. When fortunes shifted it was up to Edith to save Biltmore. This is her story.
Boldt Castle: The Story of an Unfinished Dream
~ by Anthony Mollica Jr.
Love is in the details of this magnificent chateau, Boldt Castle, built by prominent New York City hotelier George Boldt to showcase the love he had for his wife, Louise. Built in the beautiful Thousand Islands, he spared no expense. Alas, when Louise, the object of his affection died suddenly, George immediately brought construction to a halt. Broken-hearted, he never set foot on the island again, and the lonely castle was abandoned to time and the elements for over 70 years. In his book, Anthony Mollica Jr. shares the fascinating details behind the crumbling castle that captured his imagination as a child and describes the ambitious restoration project that has brought new life to the Boldt Island estate. George Fischer’s stunning photographs capture its magnificence today, an enduring symbol of devotion that attracts thousands of visitors each year. An emotional read for sure.
The Story of Corfe Castle, and of Many Who Have Lived There
~ by George Bankes
This storied structure was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century as one of England’s first major stone and timber fortifications. This book chronicles its true story, from Saxon beginnings to its dramatic Civil War fate. This detailed history traces how it grew from a simple fortress into a mighty stronghold tied to royal and monastic power. The author drew upon early chronicles and private documents to explain why the site mattered in the defense of Wessex and how architecture and building skills evolved across generations. The book offers an intriguing view of the people, politics, and battles that shaped the time, with illustrations and a structured chapter layout for easy reading ideal for readers of local history and those curious about medieval fortifications and English heritage.
Château de Haroué: The Home of the Princes de Beauvau-Craon
~ by Victoria Botana de Beauvau-Craon
This glimpse inside the estate of Château de Haroué, built between 1720 and 1729, for Marc de Beauvau, Prince de Beauvau-Craon, constable of Lorraine and viceroy of Tuscany, will surely be a treasure for the senses. The epitome of opulent French style, it is truly one of today’s must-see examples of vibrant eighteenth-century architecture and design. His descendants have continued to inhabit the structure and keep it going in high style. Located in a remote village in the Lorraine region of northeastern France, it features 82 rooms enlivened by dynamic tapestries and family portraits, an amazing artwork collection, 52 fireplaces, 12 towers (several included in the buildings), and four bridges crossing the moat. If these walls could talk…
Slains Castle’s Secret History: Warlords, Churchill, and Count Dracula
~ by Mike Shepherd and Dacre Stoker
Slains Castle is a remote castle in the north of Scotland with shadowy links to Bram Stoker and Dracula. This castle is mired with secrets now revealed in a series of extraordinary stories. Although reading like a thriller, Slains Castle’s Secret History is not fiction. Everything in this book actually happened! You’ll be exposed to such knowledge as what connects this castle with the Spanish Armada of 1588. And what took place when Bram Stoker, great-grand uncle of co-author Dacre Stoker, wrote Dracula under the shadow of Slains Castle. And what was the mysterious black rain of Slains? Juicy details of why Winston Churchill visited the prime minister’s daughter here just before his own wedding are revealed. Ready to take a Bite?!
The Strange History of Buckingham Palace: Patterns of People
~ by Patricia Wright
Buckingham Palace is one of the most familiar buildings in the world, but who knows the real secrets hidden inside these ceremonial gates? This book is fully sourced and referenced, and the plethora of contemporary illustrations will appeal to architectural and social historians, anyone enamored by London’s history, and to all intrigued by the dramatic story of the home of the Kings and Queens of England. Revealing the witch who once lived in the royal courtyard, and why a Prime Minister once called the place a monstrous insult to the nation! Discover how Buckingham Palace came to be the place it is today.
