thecommentary.ca Meryl Gordon

The very public legal and public relations fight surrounding the guardianship of the socialite and philanthropist Brooke Astor and her wealth is the subject of a recent book Mrs. Astor Regrets: The Hidden Betrayals of a Family Beyond Reproach (Houghton Mifflin, 2008). The book’s author, the New York magazine journalist Meryl Gordon discusses her book with Joseph Planta.

Mrs. Astor Regrets: The Hidden Betrayals of a Family Beyond Reproach by Meryl Gordon. (Houghton Mifflin, 2008)

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Mrs. Astor Regrets ^[1]

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

There is a compelling book that’s out entitled Mrs. Astor Regrets: The Hidden Betrayals of a Family Beyond Reproach. It is a well-researched and compelling book about a story that’s consumed both the tabloids and broadsheets in Manhattan, but now with this book has fascinated many beyond New York and its surrounding area. Brooke Astor was a well-known and beloved philanthropist and socialite in New York, donating much money to the city, where her third husband’s ancestors had made much of their fortune. She was a glittering institution for decades in the city that she loved and that loved her back. In her declining years however, her grandson, Philip Marshall sued his father, Mrs. Astor’s son, Anthony alleging that she was being mistreated. The press had a field day and Tony Marshall, in his 80s, and his wife Charlene, were forced to defend themselves in the court of public opinion, as well as in court over indictments that he had looted her vast estate. The author of Mrs. Astor Regrets joins me now, the acclaimed magazine writer, Meryl Gordon, who also teaches in the graduate faculty of journalism at New York University. It’s a tremendous book and endlessly fascinating. I’m perhaps the only reviewer who’s bought the book, which I did over the holidays. And I must admit I had trouble putting it down. The book is published by Houghton Mifflin and retails for $37.95. It is a bestseller in the United States and Canada already. I am very pleased to welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Meryl Gordon; Good morning, Ms. Gordon.