Grace Wilson was born in 1870, in Manhattan, the youngest child of a New York banker. In 1896 she eloped with Cornelius “Neily” Vanderbilt III, of the fabulously wealthy Vanderbilt family. This led to a violent disagreement within the family that lasted many years. Neily’s inheritance was slashed to a measly $1,500,000 and the elder Vanderbilts never really forgave the young couple. Nonetheless, Grace and Neily lived a lavish lifestyle, mixing with the rich and famous. They enjoyed the company of numerous members of European royalty including Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, the Shah of Iran, and every British monarch since Queen Victoria. This book is written by their son, another Cornelius Vanderbilt, who ironically also fell out with his parents when they heartily disapproved of his chosen career as a journalist and writer. Published by Hutchinson London (1st edition) in 1957. In good condition with binding intact. Contains 15 interesting photographs between pages 144 and 145.