Ward McAllister was a gentlemen living in the mid-to-late 19th century; this is his commentary of the high society of the time, the parties and social gatherings of the elite in the USA and Europe.
Well-travelled and educated in the arts of speech and charming others, the author recounts his memories of fine occasions attended by the monied and well-connected. He describes the social habits, fashion trends, and ostentatious buying habits of the upper classes of society. In the 19th century, the upper strata of society had undergone a transformative change owing to the new prosperity and technology of the time - as McAllister testifies, it was a time of newfound, unprecedented extravagance.
New innovations in fine cuisine, more choice in fashionable tailored dress for men and women, and the enjoyment of sports and other pastimes are described in detail. The author appends menus especially designed for occasions as evidence of the superb dining enjoyed by guests. To accompany his narrative of each function, McAllister describes the more exquisite aspects of the countries he'd attended such sumptuous gatherings. The majesty and natural beauty of France, Germany, Britain, Portugal and the north and south of the USA are all related.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.