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The Perennial Philadelphians: The Anatomy of an American Aristocracy
The Perennial Philadelphians tells the story of the city's inherited aristocracy—of Wanamakers and Drexels, of Biddles and Cadwaladers. Drawing on history, genealogy, politics, economics, the fine arts, private diaries, and the impressions and anecdotes of myriad living witnesses, Nathaniel Burt paints a fascinating portrait of Old Philadelphians. He traces the succession of a dynasty of doctors or lawyers, explores the country club scene, and takes us to regattas on the Schuylkill, fox hunts in Radnor, and horse shows in Devon.
First published in 1963, this classic text has lost none of its timeliness. An adept social commentator, Burt cuts aside the centuries-old protective coloration in which Old Philadelphians have wrapped themselves, and reveals who these people are and how they manage to perpetuate themselves from generation to generation.
First published in 1963, this classic text has lost none of its timeliness. An adept social commentator, Burt cuts aside the centuries-old protective coloration in which Old Philadelphians have wrapped themselves, and reveals who these people are and how they manage to perpetuate themselves from generation to generation.
640 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 22, 2015
Long and detailed and written in a classy style. If you want to know about the aristocratic lifestyle of Philadelphia (Main Line and Chestnut Hill) families, this is the book.
It explains Philadelphia's long-time difficulty of living in the shadow of New York and Washington.
It explains Philadelphia's long-time difficulty of living in the shadow of New York and Washington.
April 2, 2021
"First published in 1963, this classic text has lost none of its timeliness."
To be polite, this book is a very accurate window into the mindset of Philadelphians in 1963. I should know, my family helped settle Philadelphia in 1682 and we've been kicking around there ever since.
Mr Burt accurately observes that to outsiders, Philadelphia was the Forbidden City. Everyone just knew everyone worth knowing. And if they didn't know you, they would attempt to find a connection with you - any connection - and failing that, they would stare at you like you were from Mars.
Not that Martians were bad, mind you. They just weren't Philadelphians. They might just as well be from Baltimore.
Having said all this, reading The Perennial Philadelphians in 2021 is a view through a troublesome prism. While the author is on solid ground on historical facts and fascinating nuggets of information, his observations on those who served the cream of society are cringe-worthy. It's import to understand the bigotries and assumptions writers of his era blithely report, but not knowing what bizarre statements lurk on the next page making reading this a chore.
All in all, if you are a student of history take an hour and page through. You'll get the gist.
To be polite, this book is a very accurate window into the mindset of Philadelphians in 1963. I should know, my family helped settle Philadelphia in 1682 and we've been kicking around there ever since.
Mr Burt accurately observes that to outsiders, Philadelphia was the Forbidden City. Everyone just knew everyone worth knowing. And if they didn't know you, they would attempt to find a connection with you - any connection - and failing that, they would stare at you like you were from Mars.
Not that Martians were bad, mind you. They just weren't Philadelphians. They might just as well be from Baltimore.
Having said all this, reading The Perennial Philadelphians in 2021 is a view through a troublesome prism. While the author is on solid ground on historical facts and fascinating nuggets of information, his observations on those who served the cream of society are cringe-worthy. It's import to understand the bigotries and assumptions writers of his era blithely report, but not knowing what bizarre statements lurk on the next page making reading this a chore.
All in all, if you are a student of history take an hour and page through. You'll get the gist.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews