1/1/13 review of Elsie de Wolfe: A Life in the High Style

(Image: Goodreads)

Here is my Twitter review of the biography Elsie de Wolfe: A Life in the High Style, by Jane S. Smith.

This is one of my earlier Twitter reviews, from January 1, 2013.

Unlike my other Twitter reviews, it's not all posted in one thread. Instead, I posted separate tweets.

The tweets are below for your convenience.

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Tweet 1. Finished reading Elsie de Wolfe: A Life in the High Style, by Jane Smith. Story of 20th-century America's great interior decorator.

T2. De Wolfe started out trying to be a society woman, ended up becoming a notable amateur actor, then tried becoming as notable professionally. T3. De Wolfe was regarded as a mediocre actor, but her sense of style was -- well-studied! -- and impeccable, and she became notable for that.

T4. De Wolfe lived with Bessie Marbury, herself a successful international theatrical agent. The couple was noted for their wonderful hosting. T5. When de Wolfe gave up her acting career, Marbury suggested de Wolfe turn her style talents to interior design. De Wolfe did, with success.

T6. De Wolfe decorated Colony Club, the first great country club for women. She also helped HC Frick decorate what's now the Frick Collection. T7. De Wolfe's masterpiece and, arguably, her greatest companion, was the Villa Trianon, home for her, Marbury, and Ann Morgan, in Versailles.

T8. De Wolfe is a great character. But Bessie Marbury is also a fabulous figure. She was an incredible woman of business. T9. Another character in the book I love is Hilda West, de Wolfe's secretary of twenty-five years. Her story has a sad ending, though.

T10. I've said before I imagine what directors I'd like for adaptations of things. For de Wolfe -- definitely @coppolasofia. T11. What of de Wolfe I'd like to see by @coppolasofia: the adventure w/ Frick and the Bagatelle, or the breakup of the Versailles Triumvirate. T12. The Versailles Triumvirate was the menage a trois made up of de Wolfe, Marbury, and Ann Morgan. T13. In the story of the Versailles Triumvirate's breakup, I'd include all the war work de Wolfe did.