The Season

Class power has never been about wealth alone. As Kristen Richardson skillfully and colorfully documents, the marriage market--and the courtly ritual of the debutante--lays open a long, troubling, transatlantic history. This engaging book reminds us that 'mock royalty' and the trophy daughter, whether it's Consuelo Vanderbilt in 1894 or Ivanka Trump more recently, are at the center of America's love affair with the rich and beautiful.--Nancy Isenberg, author of White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America Who knew being a debutante was so tough, and so fascinating? Kristen Richardson takes a deep dive into this centuries-old, highly choreographed tribal rite--presentations at court in London, 'Ethiopian Balls' during the American Revolution, Gilded Age Assemblies in New York, the arcane rituals of a secret society in St. Louis, bejeweled dresses more like a suit of armor, and the secret codes embedded in the movement of a fan. And pity the poor Texas girls who had to master the spine-twisting curtsy known as the 'Texas dip.' All this for a husband!--Donna M. Lucey, author of Sargent's Women: Four Lives Behind the Canvas [An] entertaining, eye-opening portrait. Kristen Richardson writes so gracefully, and tells a story of courtship and marriage I knew nothing about and found fascinating.--Ira Glass, host of This American Life Fascinating...Richardson reminds us in this engaging and thought-provoking history, the use of daughters to cement power and wealth is very hard to give up. An immersive history, and one with remarkable empathy for the women populating it.--Maitreyi Anantharaman [A] serious, enlightening look at debutantes throughout history...Richardson reveals a rich and complicated world.--Michael Giltz The Season is a must for readers of social history, and all will appreciate Richardson's fluid, descriptive prose.