Society as I Have Found It (eBook)

Ward McAllister (1827–1895) was a prominent figure in the New York City social elite of the Gilded Age, known for his role in the development of the concept of 'The Four Hundred,' a term denoting the socially elite class of the city. Born in Savannah, Georgia, McAllister moved to New York, where he became a noted arbiter of high society. His book 'Society as I Have Found It,' published in 1890, is a seminal work that provides a detailed account of the rituals, customs, and social hierarchy of America's upper echelon during this period. This memoir is not merely a recount of social events and personalities but a critical resource for understanding the socio-cultural dynamics of late 19th-century American aristocracy. McAllister's writing style is both grandiose and instructive, giving readers an insider view of the ostentatious lifestyles led by the wealthy of his time. The book remains a valuable source for historians and sociologists studying the patterns of social behavior and the formation of social elites in post-Civil War America. His rich descriptions of balls, dinners, and the importance of genealogy within the social structure of the time provide a clear depiction of the values and practices of American high society. McAllister's work distinguished him as a notable cultural chronicler whose observations have helped shape our understanding of American social history.