Two cousins who became heirs to an immense fortune competed with each other for the position of a leader in the newly-emerging American aristocracy. One of the most notable areas this private war took place in was the lodging industry. Though they both built hotels, each of them wanted to have better lodging establishments than the other. Owing to this, over the course of less than twenty years New York gained several splendid buildings that have left their mark on the architectural style of Manhattan. Their sole joint endeavor, the Waldorf-Astoria, has become a model of an American luxury hotel.

Chapter 3 - John Jacob Astor IV - Vol. 2, pages 30-38. To see sample page from that chapter click here

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