Abby Aldrich Rockefeller: The Woman in the Family [Paperback]

Bernice Kert (Author), David Rockefeller (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 28, 2003

The riveting portrait of the woman who transformed
the character of one of America’s most powerful families—
available in paperback for the first time, with a new Introduction by David Rockefeller

In 1894, Abby Aldrich, the buoyant, impulsive daughter of Rhode Island’s Senator Nelson Aldrich, met John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the deeply reserved heir to the Standard Oil fortune. This unlikely pair fell in love, but it was seven years before John felt confident enough to propose. Once married, Abby used her empathy, willingness to experiment, and defiant optimism to leaven John’s narrow, bureaucratic way of thinking. She expanded his vision of what the Rockefeller fortune could do, shaping the family into the progressive force in philanthropy, the arts, and politics that we know today.

Drawing on letters, diaries, and revealing interviews with family members and others, Bernice Kert has created a portrait of this vibrant woman that is both epic and intimate, moving seamlessly from the intricacies of her home life, to her work in larger arenas, to her crowning achievement—founding what eventually became the Museum of Modern Art.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Nelson's beloved mother (1874-1948) was just as fascinating as he, though considerably less driven. Abby Aldrich's relaxed, worldly attitude differed markedly from the rigid Baptist views of the Rockefellers. Yet she handled her in-laws with aplomb, and her shy, reserved husband, John D. Jr., adored her. While keeping him happy, she pursued her own interests as a pioneering champion of both modern and folk art, helping to found the Museum of Modern Art in 1929. Kert's elegant, perceptive biography does full justice to a warm-hearted, lovable woman. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

The author of Hemingway's Women , which offered new insights into the sources of that famously macho writer's creativity, once again illuminates the impact of a powerful female on American culture and society. Daughter of influential U.S. Senator Nelson Aldrich and wife of industrialist John D. Rockefeller Jr., Abby Aldrich Rockefeller (1874-1948) tactfully managed to fulfill her own interests and abilities while also satisfying the demands of a difficult husband who adored her and resented anything (including their children) that diverted her attention from him. A pioneering art collector, she was the driving force behind the founding of Manhattan's Museum of Modern Art and encouraged a new appreciation of American folk art through her gifts to Colonial Williamsburg, the 18th-century Virginia town restored with her husband's money. She also nudged the notoriously conservative Rockefeller family towards broader-based philanthropy and raised her six children--Babs, John 3rd, Nelson, Laurance, Winthrop and David--with a commitment to public service that the siblings still honor. In this elegantly written, carefully researched and psychologically astute biography, Abby Rockefeller emerges as a loveable and intelligent woman who wielded her great privilege to a variety of socially beneficial ends. Photos.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 568 pages
• Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks (October 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812970446
• ISBN-13: 978-0812970449
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,517,824 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an inspiring woman, a fabulous read..., November 8, 2005

By 

Nora Dupree (Fresh Meadows, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Abby Aldrich Rockefeller: The Woman in the Family (Paperback)

An unplanned visit to Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate in Westchester County New York led me to this book. The tour guide expressed his admiration for Abby Aldrich Rockefeller as he led us through her famous home. He recommended this biography, and from the moment I picked it up, I was delighted! As we toured the house, we viewed the wonderful collection of modern art and heard the stories of how Mrs. Rockefeller founded the Museum of Modern Art, overcoming the objections of her famous and powerful husband, John D. Rockefeller Jr. This book is a history of a powerful woman's life, and a history of the life of a famous museum. A beautiful woman, a devoted wife and mother,an inspired art collector and devoted patron of modern art; the story of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller holds you in its grip from the opening paragraph. One of the best biographies I have ever read!