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Flight of the WASP: The Rise, Fall, and Future of America’s Original Ruling Class

Name: Flight of the WASP: The Rise, Fall, and Future of America’s Original Ruling Class
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Book Synopsis: Fifteen families. Four hundred years. The complex saga of the White Anglo-Saxon Protestant elite in America’s history. For decades, writers from Cleveland Amory to Joseph Alsop to the editors of Politico have proclaimed the diminishment of the White Anglo-Saxon Protestants, who for generations were the dominant socio-cultural-political force in America. While the WASP elite has, in the last half century, indeed drifted from American centrality to the periphery, its relevance and impact remain, as Michael Gross reveals in his compelling chronicle.

From Colonial America’s founding settlements through the Gilded Age to the present day, Gross traces the complex legacy of American WASPs—their profound accomplishments and egregious failures—through the lives of fifteen influential individuals and their very privileged, sometimes intermarried families. As the Bradford, Randolph, Morris, Biddle, Sanford, Peabody, and Whitney clans progress, prosper, and periodically stumble, defining aspects in the four-century sweep of American history emerge: our wide, oft-contentious religious diversity; the deep scars of slavery, genocide, and intolerance; the creation and sometimes mis-use of astonishing economic and political power; an enduring belief in the future; an instinct to offset inequity with philanthropy; an equal capacity for irresponsible, sometimes wanton, behavior.

“American society was supposed to be different,” writes Gross, “but for most of our history we have had a patriciate, an aristocracy, a hereditary oligarchic upper class, who initiated the American national experiment.” In previous acclaimed books such as 740 Park and Rogues’ Gallery, Gross has explored elite culture in microcosm; expanding the canvas, Flight of the WASP chronicles it across four centuries and fifteen generations in an ambitious and consequential contribution to American history.

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Discover the captivating tale of America’s original ruling class in "Flight of the WASP: The Rise, Fall, and Future." Unravel the intricate history of fifteen influential families spanning over four centuries. Delve into the legacy of the White Anglo-Saxon Protestant elite through the eyes of Michael Gross, as he reveals the enduring impact and relevance of this fascinating group on American history. From profound accomplishments to egregious failures, this chronicle is a must-read for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

Join the journey from Colonial America to the present day as the Bradford, Randolph, Morris, and other notable families navigate through privilege, power, and societal changes. Explore the complexities of American WASPs and their significant contributions amidst a backdrop of religious diversity, societal conflict, and economic prowess. Michael Gross artfully weaves together the stories of these families, showcasing their triumphs, struggles, and enduring legacy on American society.

Uncover the enduring saga of America’s elite with "Flight of the WASP." Michael Gross’s insightful narrative shines a light on the deep-seated beliefs, philanthropic endeavors, and at times, controversial behaviors of the WASP elite. Gain a deeper understanding of American history through the lens of these influential families, as Gross masterfully connects the dots between past and present, providing a thought-provoking look at the making of the American national experiment.

Ready to embark on a journey through the corridors of power and privilege in America? Dive into the pages of "Flight of the WASP" and explore the rich tapestry of American history through the lens of the White Anglo-Saxon Protestant elite. Experience the highs and lows, the triumphs and tribulations of these influential families as they shape the course of American society. Order your copy now and witness the timeless saga unfold.

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