Astor_ The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune By Anderson Cooper (2023)

In the sweeping saga of the Astor family, Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe unveil a quintessentially American narrative of ambition, innovation, downfall, and resurgence. From the arrival of German immigrant John Jacob Astor in 1783 to the infamous conviction of Brooke Astor's son in 2009, the Astor name has left an indelible mark on American society.

Beginning with a modest beaver trapping business that blossomed into a vast empire, the Astors amassed wealth through Manhattan real estate investments, becoming fixtures of Gilded Age New York society. Their influence extended beyond social circles into politics and culture, yet their story was marked by tragedy, including the infamous loss of family members aboard the Titanic.

Through this unconventional and captivating historical biography, Cooper and Howe delve into the lives of the Astors, shedding light on the complexities of their legacy and the evolving meaning of the Astor name in American history. "The Astors" offers readers a compelling glimpse into the making of America itself through the lens of one of its most storied families.