William Waldorf Astor Relishes the High Life and Hobnobs With England's Elite

Book Description

Astor was both a capitalist and journalist. Upon the death of his father, Astor succeeded to the management of the family estate with a personal fortune estimated as much as $100 million. <P> ALS. 2pg. 5" x 4". December 24, 1903. Cliveden Mansion (Buckinghamshire, England). An autograph letter signed <I>"<B>W. W. Astor</B>"</I> to Sir Alfred Downing Fripp, who was Surgeon in Ordinary to King Edward VII from 1897 to 1910: <I>"I thank you very much for sending me a copy of the Volume we talked of last summer and which I am glad to possess. I shall take it with me, together with some other choice books, to Southern Italy, whether I shall go when the holidays are over in search of sunshine. There I can indulge in the luxury of reading at leisure. With best wishes for the New Year to Lady Fripp & you, believe me... "</I>. Known for his keen knowledge and warm heart, Fripp was awarded knighthood the same year this letter was written and given the title "Master of the Knife." Written on the letterhead of the historic Astor mansion of Cliveden, this letter is in fine condition

Not sure what some of these terms mean? Look it up in our glossary.