Society as I Have Found It (eBook)

Ward McAllister (1827–1895) was a notable figure in the elite social circles of New York City and a self-proclaimed arbiter of high society in the Gilded Age. Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, McAllister moved to New York where he made his mark as a prominent lawyer and socialite. His interest in social structure and his self-assured knowledge of the intricacies of etiquette among the upper echelons culminated in his authorship of the book 'Society as I Have Found It' (1890). In this work, McAllister offers a vivid portrayal of the opulent lifestyles and social customs of America's wealthiest families of the time. His narrative, mingled with personal anecdotes and observations, provides a unique insight into the rites and rituals of the American elite. The book, while seemingly a guide to society, also serves as a reflection of McAllister's own flamboyant personality and his beliefs about social hierarchy and exclusivity. His literary style combines an autobiographical approach with a guidebook-like tone, filled with maxims and prescriptive advice for navigating the salons and balls of high society. McAllister's contribution through his writings and his creation of the concept of the 'Four Hundred'—referring to those who were considered the pinnacle of New York's social elite—remains a significant point of reference for historians studying the social dynamics of the late 19th century in America.