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Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago, and the Rise of America's Xanadu

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John Mclain

8 Hours 12 Minutes

Tantor Media

November 2019

Audio Book Summary

Looking at the island of Palm Beach today, with its unmatched mansions, tony shops, and pristine beaches, one is hard pressed to visualize the dense tangle of Palmetto brush and mangroves that it was when visionary entrepreneur and railroad tycoon Henry Flagler first arrived there in April 1893. Trusting his remarkable instincts, within less than a year he had built the Royal Poinciana Hotel, and two years later what was to become the legendary Breakers-instantly establishing the island as the preferred destination for those who could afford it. Over the next 125 years, Palm Beach has become synonymous with exclusivity-especially its most famous residence, 'Mar-a-Lago.' As Les Standiford relates, 'the high walls of Mar-a-Lago and other manses like it were seemingly designed to contain scandal within as much as keep intruders out.'

With the authority and narrative prose style that has gained Standiford's work widespread acclaim, Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago, and the Rise of America's Xanadu tells the history of this fabled landscape intertwined with the colorful lives of its famous protagonists.

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Reviews

  • Greg S.

    It was interesting to learn about the development of Florida and the formation of Palm Beach as a society. Was hoping for a little more “juice” though.

    Book Rating

  • Rich

    I enjoy this author and his engaging way of relating history. If I hadn’t recently finished another of his books, which covered the extended portion of this book concerning Henry Flagler in more detail, I may have given the book 5 Stars. Narrator was top notch.

    Book Rating

  • Angela S.

    Interesting and a great read.

    Book Rating