Interesting life story of the woman who designed the Rose Garden for JFK but lots of name dropping and too much materialism for my taste. OK, I get it….she created the Rose Garden. vividly details how Mellon, whose paternal grandfather developed Listerine, was raised in an ultrawealthy milieu of … 4.5 stars, really. Go on a captivating journey and discover the fascinating life of John F Kennedy from beginning to end. You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. Even her generous husband bemoaned her habits, but didn't try to stop them. The walls in the dining room were full-on trompe l'oiel.. Soup was served in covered dishes shaped like little cabbages--more tromp l-oiel. Bunny Mellon PDF By:Meryl Gordon Published on 2017-09-26 by Grand Central Publishing. An in depth biography of a beautiful life. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Yes, Mrs. Mellon led a life of unimaginable privilege, but she was also immensely talented and entirely self-taught, and this book really captures her immense artistic capabilities and her dedication to her craft. I love the little charmer at ten declaring Mellon should be her new(er) godparent, and continue to be hovering around into adulthood, but it always reads "playing with Mummy's rubies" mindset. Brooke Astor was another one. The author was very nice to Bunny, and her husband, and she portrayed them kindly, which I suppose is the best way to do this. It is a fascinating chronicle of a complicated woman who had a reserved seat for 20th Century history. Bunny Mellon, who died in 2014 at age 103, was press-shy during her lifetime. Facebook. Rachel Lambert Mellon was born an heir to a great fortune—her grandfather invented Listerine and her father was the president of Gillette—and married one of the wealthiest men in America, the banking heir and philanthropist Paul Mellon. There has to be a special level of hell for these women. Although the world of deep seated wealth is far removed from my reality the work ethic of Bunny Mellon is inspiring. "Janice P. Nimura has resurrected Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell in all their feisty, thrilling, trailblazing splendor." I think so. Mellon's ingenious, often underappreciated body of work should be noticed, and this book is a valuable contribution to that end." Bunny Mellon: The Life of... 18 . Please try again. A rapturous biography of heiress and celebrated landscape gardener Rachel "Bunny" Mellon (1910-2014). Loads of information filling in many gaps in my knowledge, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 26, 2018. Bunny, born Rachel Lowe Lambert in … Chapter 1 President Kennedy Has a Request 1. by Grand Central Publishing, Bunny Mellon: The Life of an American Style Legend. Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2017. October 11, 2020 | History. Calm it down, Calm it down.”, Mariah Carey Is Telling Her Own Story (and Recommending Books). In a biography out this week, Bunny Mellon: The Life of an American Style Legend, I found the genesis of my mother’s coat, and, as I read the book, I began to … Edit. A lot of Bunny's life was about maintaining their numerous homes and lifestyle and so there's only so much you can say about that but the author does well (and Bunny helped by living to 100+!! With the co-operation of Bunny Mellon's family, author Meryl Gordon received access to thousands of pages of her letters, diaries and appointment calendars and has interviewed more than 175 people to capture the spirit of this talented American original. Inspire a love of reading with Amazon Book Box for Kids, Previous page of related Sponsored Products. Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. I found this to be a fascinating biography of a fascinating life. A tale of surprising creativity and resilience. OK, I get it….she created the Rose Garden. A wondrous read! Chapter 4 Childhood Treasures: A Bottle and a Book 27. It is impossible to understand a life with so much money and the extravagant spending. Skip to main content. ", "With an eye for telling detail balanced by nuanced understanding, Meryl Gordon explores Bunny Mellon's impeccably designed homes and gardens as well as the marital deceptions, family tragedies, intense friendships, and political intrigues. Mellon's ingenious, often under-appreciated body of work should be noticed, and this book is a valuable contribution to that end." However, Bunny Mellon’s ONLY claim to fame was her creation of the Rose Garden at the White House and this is referenced throughout the book. It's an interesting look at how the .001% lived back in the day. The cooks would send down requests for certain vegetables before each meal, and I would prepare them in one of "Bunny's" many antique baskets. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 23, 2018, Easy to read book and lots of little snippets about Jackie Kennedy and Givenchy (and plenty of others - throwaway observation of Diana Princess of Wales, newly married, running carefree with a young Caroline Kennedy at a Bunny do). It’s about an era, early air flight to Camelot. My heart is sad for her and the many tragedies I. If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Pinterest. This collection is comprised of extracts from Bunny's own writings and garden notes, as well as photographs and drawings from her archive. This book is a wonderful history of Bunny Mellon’s beloved gardens, along with some personal details that offer a glimpse into the extraordinary life of a very private person. Bunny Mellon, who died in 2014 at age 103, was press-shy during her lifetime. The Great Book of American Heroes: 32 True Tales From American History That Made Th... To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Rights: North America. This collection is comprised of extracts from Bunny's own writings and garden notes, as well as photographs and drawings from her archive. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2018. Bunny Mellon, who died in 2014 at age 103, was press-shy during her lifetime. Recently on Pinterest I stumbled upon the former Cape Cod home of the late Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon, which was redecorated by Kathryn Ireland for its current owners and featured in the May 2016 issue of House Beautiful.. Thanks to Meryl Gordon we get past them. I think of her pink granite tomb out in those woods. Chapter 3 The Auction of the Decade 14. Something went wrong. . Fascinating and truly heartbreaking. A biography of Bunny Mellon, the style icon and American aristocrat who designed the White House Rose Garden for her friend JFK and served as a living witness to 20th Century American history, operating in the high-level arenas of politics, diplomacy, art and fashion. The entire surrounds were manicured to create what I felt was an attempt to establish that dreamy idealism of the Impressionist paintings she had hanging in her house. With the co-operation of Bunny Mellon's family, author Meryl Gordon received access to thousands of pages of her letters, diaries and appointment calendars and has interviewed more than 175 people to capture the spirit of this talented American original. Jackie, Janet & Lee: The Secret Lives of Janet Auchincloss and Her Daughters Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lee Radziwill, Mrs. Astor Regrets: The Hidden Betrayals of a Family Beyond Reproach, The Phantom of Fifth Avenue: The Mysterious Life and Scandalous Death of Heiress Huguette Clark. ), then you won’t want to miss the latest book about the American icon, The Gardens of Bunny Mellon. Was it the subject herself? Hopefully, the stone has rent a huge crack, and no one to see it. I have to first give credit to Meryl Gordon for creating such a well-researched and well-written book. I was one of many gardeners who planted the 10,000 annual flowers, and spent the rest of the Summer tending the vegetable garden. I just can’t finish this book. Rachel Lambert Mellon—the American gardening and design idol who died in March at age 103 and was universally known as Bunny—believed that style was order and that order brought pleasure. Her life is proof that money cannot buy happiness. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. .orange-text-color {color: #FE971E;} Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration. Searching the family’s archive after Mrs. Mellon’s death, the editors―whom all shared personal relationships with Bunny―discovered a trove of photographs, illustrations, and writings and have now turned it into the how-to gardening book Bunny had hoped to write. It is difficult for the average person to imagine that much wealth and to understand why anyone needs seven houses and 10 Rolex watches but Bunny Mellon was intriguing and her life was filled with indulgence and charity. The Gardens of Bunny Mellon is a masterpiece. The new book Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon is a dreadful disappointment. A biography of Bunny Mellon, the style icon and American aristocrat who designed the White House Rose Garden for her friend JFK and served as a living witness to 20th Century American history, operating in the high-level arenas of politics, diplomacy, art and fashion. Excellent job by the biographer, and what a life--full of originality and happenstance and luck and talent. Chapter 7 The Debutante Dances Through the Depression 67 Unable to add item to List. But I was so saddened by the broken relationships and the toxic effect of money, enormous money, too much even to spend. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2020, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. They had to be arranged aesthetically, of course. I didn’t think that referencing that practically in every chapter was necessary. It’s all about who you know and how you make connections and how you can spend your money. Mellon was the second wife of philanthropist and horse breeder Paul Mellon. Refresh and try again. As an Interior Designer, I was aware of the exquisite taste that Bunny Mellon had and this book completed the picture of an incredible woman who lived a life of extreme privilege and wealth. All Illustrations Bunny Mellon. Throughout her long and storied life, Rachel “Bunny” Mellon’s greatest passion was garden design. Embers of Childhood: Growing Up a Whitney, The Queen of Paris: A Novel of Coco Chanel. Such a harmless name. If I had not read the first book, possibly I would not feel so let down. Rachel 'Bunny' Mellon lived in a world ardently protected by discreet guards, long driveways, and noble family retainers. Eight Books to Read for Instant Garden Inspiration 1 The Gardens of Bunny Mellon by Linda Jane Holden. With the co-operation of Bunny Mellon's family, author Meryl Gordon received access to thousands of pages of her letters, diaries and appointment calendars and has interviewed more than 175 people to capture the spirit of this talented American original. Bunny Mellon, who died in 2014 at age 103, was press-shy during her lifetime. ", "A rapturous biography.... and a window into 20th century American aristocracy.". It was an organic garden, before that was the trend, so there was a lot of weeding to be done. You could almost predict in leaving her that estate without. Bunny Mellon is the most boring biographical subject I’ve ever had the pleasure to never have met. Grand, unchecked wealth does not a good friend make. However, Bunny Mellon’s ONLY claim to fame was her creation of the Rose Garden at the White House and this is referenced throughout the book. So....bucolic. ), Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 19, 2018. OK, I get it….she created the Rose Garden. The 7,000 square foot, nine bedroom, nine bathroom home is located on a 26-acre waterfront property in Osterville, Massachusets on a … Buy The Gardens of Bunny Mellon 01 by Linda Jane Holden, Sir Peter Crane, Roger Foley (ISBN: 9780865653511) from Amazon's Book Store. She was an unchecked spender. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Last edited by ImportBot. I would like to have read more about the plant collection and designs. This book told about the people in her life and how she survived. "Bunny Mellon was happiest weilding a pair of garden clippers. Having long admired her taste and style in all things, color me surprised to find her such a flawed person. Bunny Mellon Designed Guesthouse 07 . Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 18, 2019. Bunny Mellon's Manhattan Townhouse; A Classic Colonial Revival by Miles Redd; Bettie Bearden Pardee's 13 Tips for the Gracious Host and Perfect Houseguest; At Home and in the Garden with Bettie Bearden Pardee May. When it comes to government, the answer is: practically everything. Bunny Mellon, who died in 2014 at age 103, was press-shy during her lifetime. The lunches lasted for hours and, eventually, spilled out into the perfectly manicured garden that somehow looked just a little bit wild. Bunny Mellon, who died in 2014 at age 103, was press-shy during her lifetime. The second commission, executed by French artist Fernand Renard, is the interior of the pavilion that anchors the two greenhouse wings of Bunny Mellon’s conservatory. Bunny Mellon… It starts with the name. From what’s on the page, Bunny Mellon doesn’t have enough personality to fill a whole book...maybe a feature magazine article. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. President Kennedy counted on her good taste to design the Rose Garden. I'd give this 3.5. Online shopping from a great selection at Books Store. Andrew Jackson: A Captivating Guide to the Man Who Served as the Seventh President ... "Jacqueline Kennedy looked up to her socially. I could not put this book down. Every once in awhile I like to torture myself by reading books about women who are just like me except for one difference: they are swimming in money from birth to death. '", "Journalist Gordon...again fascinatingly chronicles the remarkable life of an elite twentieth-century American woman....Readers interested in gardening, art, and interior design will drool over Bunny's fine tastes, and her ease at fulfilling every one of them, but all lovers of biographies will marvel at Gordon's portrayal of Bunny's long life, and the significant figures who buzzed in and out of it. "The Gardens of Bunny Mellon reveals the horticulturalist's iconic oases, including her Oak Spring estate in Virginia and the White House Rose Garden." So....bucolic. For why should anyone have any need to be unhappy when they have what I have.”, “I’ll have to put trust in you and God, write it nice, friendly, non-gossipy. The rest of her life – before and after the Rose Garden – was spent as a very rich man’s wife. . Bunny Mellon, who died in 2014 at age 103, was press-shy during her lifetime. I admit it: I purchased this book to see how the REALLY rich live and I was not disappointed. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. $28. In The Gardens of Bunny Mellon authored by Linda Holden, you will get a glimpse of Rachel "Bunny" Mellon's gardens from her New York, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Antigua, and Upperville, Virginia homes that she designed herself. An electrifying novel based on the real life of Coco Chanel reveals an unseen side to the icon as she trades fashion for espionage in World War II. The result is a juicy behind-the-scenes tale of American aristocracy. This was not unusual for that time and place: it was typical of East Coast Establishment, and still is. Her magnificent work on the White House Rose garden was a masterpiece. Known to her friends as Bunny, Mrs. Mellon cut a distinguished presence in rarified circles in Washington, New York, London, and Paris, where … (Prices may vary for AK and HI.). Bunny Mellon's Jasmine Necklace, Bees Ring and Jellyfish Brooch by Schlumberger from the exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Photo courtesy . ―Stacy Schiff. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. This is like a super-long Vanity Fair article (not a bad thing!). Socialite and style icon Bunny Mellon is one of the most intriguing figures in recent American history. Bunny Mellon, who died in 2014 at age 103, was press-shy during her lifetime. See more ideas about bunny mellon, bunny, rachel lambert. This book is a wonderful history of Bunny Mellon’s beloved gardens, along with some personal details that offer a glimpse into the extraordinary life of a very private person. Penned by Linda Jane Holden with gorgeous images shot by Roger Foley, the coffee table book would make the perfect holiday gift for the gardener in your life. Rachel Lambert Mellon (August 9, 1910 – March 17, 2014), often known as Bunny Mellon, was an American horticulturalist, gardener, philanthropist, and art collector. A view into how the upper 1% live. It destroyed the whole family in the end. She and her husband, Paul Mellon, one of the wealthiest men in America, maintained homes in New York, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Antigua, and Upperville, Virginia, and she designed the gardens at all of them. She designed and planted a number of significant gardens, including the White House Rose Garden, and assembled one of the largest collections of rare horticultural books. In spite of her millions, I think she led a very lonely life, always looking for love. I always heard what great friends Jacqueline Kennedy was with the Grand Lapin. More calculations. Embed. Bunny Mellon Book Review: INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AN AMAZON BEST BOOK OF THE MONTH IN BIOGRAPHIES & MEMOIRS A new biography of Bunny Mellon, the style icon and American aristocrat who designed the White House Rose Garden for her friend JFK and served as a living witness to 20th Century American history, operating in the high-level arenas of politics, diplomacy, art and fashion. Beautifully written. As this book asserts, the estate had a very understated aesthetic. ", "As stylish and fascinating as its subject, this book is a biographical tour de force. ", "Meryl Gordon's enchanting story takes us deep inside a lost world of taste and class-a world, as Caroline Kennedy said of Bunny Mellon's life, that was 'beautiful, well-built, and infinitely interesting. This collection is comprised of extracts from Bunny's own writings and garden notes, as well as photographs and drawings from her archive. 516 pp. .orange-text-color {font-weight:bold; color: #FE971E;}Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more. The author gives some idea of what living with that level of wealth is like, not easy to do. September 26th 2017 Bunny Mellon: The Life of an American Style Legend, Hardcover – Illustrated, September 26, 2017. ‎ A biography of Bunny Mellon, the style icon and American aristocrat who designed the White House Rose Garden for her friend JFK and served as a living witness to 20th Century American history, operating in the high-level arenas of politics, diplomacy, art and fashion. ), then you won’t want to miss the latest book about the American icon, The Gardens of Bunny Mellon.Penned by Linda Jane Holden with gorgeous images shot by Roger Foley, the coffee table book would make the perfect holiday gift for the gardener in your life. Great wealth does not make for easy sleep. There was a problem loading your book clubs. has been added to your Cart. Luckily, most of her family struck out on their own, knowing full well what would happen....and it did. Thanks Meghan! We’d love your help. Share this book. (And I suppose to be human is to be flawed...though I think a bit more kindness would have been a good thing in her life....) In the end, I found this an inspiring read—if I had that kind of money, I’d also hope to spend it on art, antiques, books, and gardens! If you haven't heard of record-smashing singer and songwriter Mariah Carey, is there any hope for you? I’ve just finished the chapters that delve into this friendship in the book Bunny Mellon: Life of an American Style Legend. Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon (Book) : Holden, Linda Jane : Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon is for anyone who has enjoyed time spent in a garden, from aspiring garden makers to those who manage large estates. Fascinating. Don't know why I am drawn to this period of history - nor did I realize Bunny Mellon and Jackie Kennedy were such close friends. All That Glitters: Anna Wintour, Tina Brown, and the Rivalry Inside America's Riche... Diary of a Dumpster Pup: How a cat lover saved the life of an abandoned newborn pup... Jackie Kennedy Onassis: The Biography of America’s First Lady (Women in History). An edition of Bunny Mellon (2017) Bunny Mellon The Life of an American Style Legend by Meryl Gordon. “I made a resolution never again to whine or be disagreeable. INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AN AMAZON BEST BOOK OF THE MONTH IN BIOGRAPHIES & MEMOIRS A new biography of Bunny Mellon, the style icon and American aristocrat who designed the White House Rose Garden for her friend JFK and served as a living witness to 20th Century American history, … Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Her book about Hugette Clark was masterful, Bunny Mellon is even better. Learn more about the program. Bunny. Takes one to know one. 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