Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, New York

"Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, New York" by Charles W. Snell is a historical record from the 1960s that dives deep into the story of the Vanderbilt Mansion, its impressive design, and the lives of the Vanderbilt family who called it home. The book explores how Frederick William Vanderbilt changed an estate into a stunning Italian Renaissance-style mansion, showcasing the lavish lifestyle made possible by American industrialists of the time. It paints a picture of the Vanderbilts' fancy social lives, and how their estate was run, also looking at how they connected with the town of Hyde Park. Snell's writing brings to life the impressive architecture and detailed interior design of the mansion, while also noting the family's giving back to the community, overall painting an amazing picture of wealthy living.