Diamond Jim Brady: Prince of the Gilded Age by H. Paul Jeffers is a fascinating biography of one of the most flamboyant figures of the Gilded Age. James Buchanan “Diamond Jim” Brady was a self-made millionaire notorious for his extravagant lifestyle, lavish parties, and penchant for fine dining and expensive jewelry.

Jeffers’s book delves into Brady’s colorful life, from his humble beginnings as a bellhop at the St. James Hotel to his rise as a powerful businessman and socialite. It explores his extravagant spending habits, numerous mistresses, and close friendships with other Gilded Age titans like Cornelius Vanderbilt and J.P. Morgan. The book also examines Brady’s impact on American culture, particularly his role in popularizing fine dining and his influence on developing New York City’s restaurant scene.

Condition: Good

ISBN: 0-471-39102-6