Customer Reviews

Philistines at the Hedgerow: Passion and Property in the Hamptons

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I loved this book. The author has written a social history of the Hamptons that's a real page-turner. The characters are fascinating and he evokes a sense of place that makes you feel the author knows every nook and cranny of his subject. The book creates an historical tapestry stretching from pre-Revolutionary days to an end- of-the-millenium July 4th party. It would be easy to take potshots at the rich and richers who live in the Hamptons, but the author, who sees these characters with a clear and discerning eye, never condescends. The book moves so quickly I finished it in one sitting. This is my favorite kind of book-- a non-fiction book that reads like a novel. Because of the subject, some people might consider this a summer read, but I found this to be THE perfect book to read during a recent snowstorm. Enjoy!

This was a most enjoyable book....a look at how the super-wealthy denizens of the Hamptons really live. The author tells many gossipy tales, but at the same time, gives the reader a great deal of historical background about the early settlers of the area; those who became wealthy via the real estate of the Hamptons; and the mega-wealthy newcomers who seem to delight in flaunting their wealth even as they try to remain anonymous...or perhaps the right word would be "mysterious".

I think Gaines, an insider who lives in the Hamptons, has done his research and perfectly relates the superficial life led by many of the residents there.

This book read like fiction and I finished it very quickly. Many of the characters who populated the book were very odd people, ones that a reader would expect to meet in a novel.

I found the story of Gardiner's Island fascinating. It was first settled by Lion Gardiner in 1639, and was the first permanent English settlement in New York. Lion bought this from the Indians and it has been owned by his descendents ever since. They allow no trespassing.

I also enjoyed the story of The Creeks, one of the largest estates in the Hamptons. It was created in incredible splendor by Arthur and Adele Herter and recently rebuilt by Ron Perelman. In the intervening years, The Creeks belonged to the artist Alfonso Ossorio and his lover Ted Dragon, an interesting couple. These men befriended Jackson Pollock and their story included interesting information about Pollock's life and tragic death.

This says it all: "The establishment can hold off the newcomers for only so long. There are always more of Them than Us". The "Them" he refers to are the Philistines at the hedgerow.

The best way for me to describe Philistines is as the really good driving tour of the Hamptons. You get history, you get gossip, you get social commentary, you get, in other words, a feel for the Hamptons and how they came to be The Hamptons.

The writing in Philistines (I'm a stickler for good writing) is breezy and smooth, perfect for summer or winter when you want to think about summer. My only quibble with the book is that the publisher could have included a map since I only have the vaguest of idea of where the Hamptons are on Long Island and how all the individual Hamptons fit together.

True, this is essentially a high-society romance starring real estate, a West Hamptons Side Story, if you will. Gaines smoothly braids his stories of us, them, and the properties thereof into an engaging soap opera. The cast swings all the way from the old-guard, dullsville entitlement of the folks at the Maidstone Club to polished avant-garde goings-on at The Creeks, in between which Ted Dragon nicks furniture for a hobby. Gaines's adroit telling of these stories will even surprise you into empathy for the neighbors round Barry Trupin's mansion, a poster "child" for matters done with gaucherie and lack of moderation. It's those last which seem to be the ultimate sin against the Hamptons, and its Wodehousian, overprivileged world.

The author did justice to the combination of story-telling and history in this book. A well written story of the history of and lifestyle in the Hamptons, as well as documenting current problems and personalities. The development of the "characters" was well done. The book is a prime example of the rich, their quirks, and how money plays in that society. Well worth the read, if you can keep a sense of humor about the ridiculousness of some wealthy persons. I'd recommend this!

As a rule, compassion for swells makes only an occasional, tiny, brief blip on my radar screen. It's a testament to Steven Gaines's skills as a story teller that I found myself engrossed in and sympathetic to the problems of these over-privileged Hamptonites. Obnoxious neighbors, dysfunctional relatives, and inept governing bodies are universal conditions no matter how many or few zeros in your bank account. An elitist book? Maybe. An amusing and entertaining read? Definitely!

The beginning of this book places a heavy focus on "property." Just when one is reeling from the plethora of price tags, in comes Ted Dragon, whose stories about Ossorio and the Pollocks give the book its real heart. From Dragon's story onward, the book is engrossing.

The copy editing of this book is appalling. I am sure that the author would be mortified to see the errors that got through. Considering its prestigious publishing house, elegant binding and hefty price tag ($40 up here in Canada with taxes), I expected a much higher quality of editing. The errors were distracting and disappointing.

Overall, though, a satisfying read that kept me up long into the night.

Having resided in East Hampton every summer of my life save one form mid- may to late August, I can safely say that this book is not only well- written and stylish but also true to fact- for instace, my father was invited to the Weatherill coming-out and is in the famous "group mug shot" on the steps of Ocean Castle- he can attest that the names and events mentioned are not only faithful to the truth- but entertaining also.

This book is so much fun to read that I have recommended it to several people who were curious about the Hamptons and they enjoyed it too. Why do some reviewers crab that it is about the rich and famous? If I wanted to know about the poor and anonymous I would just have to look in my apartment.

This book is so much fun to read that I have recommended it to several people who were curious about the Hamptons and they enjoyed it too. Why do some reviewers crab that it is about the rich and famous? If I wanted to know about the poor and aonymous I would just have to look in my apartment.