Meryl Gordon

Meryl Gordon is an American journalist and biographer known for writing detailed accounts of wealthy and prominent New York society figures. She has authored several notable biographies including "Mrs. Astor Regrets" about philanthropist Brooke Astor and "Bunny Mellon: The Life of an American Style Legend" about the heiress and garden designer. As a journalist, Gordon has contributed to publications including Vanity Fair, The New York Times, and New York Magazine. Her work often focuses on investigating complex family dynamics, inheritance disputes, and the intersections of wealth, power, and society in New York's elite circles. She currently serves as director of magazine writing at New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, where she teaches journalism. Her most recent biographical work, "The Phantom of Fifth Avenue" (2014), explores the life of reclusive copper heiress Huguette Clark. Gordon's biographical works are noted for their extensive research and interviews with family members, friends, and associates of her subjects. Her coverage of the Astor case helped bring attention to elder abuse issues among wealthy families and led to greater public awareness of these concerns.

Readers praise Gordon's thorough research and ability to humanize complex figures from New York's elite society. Many reviewers note her balanced reporting and detailed sourcing, particularly in "Mrs. Astor Regrets." Readers appreciate: - In-depth investigation and access to primary sources - Clear presentation of complicated family dynamics - Neutral tone when covering sensitive topics - Rich historical context without overwhelming detail Common criticisms: - Some sections move slowly due to extensive background information - Occasional repetition of facts and events - Focus sometimes strays to peripheral characters Average ratings: Goodreads: - "Mrs. Astor Regrets": 3.8/5 (2,800+ ratings) - "Bunny Mellon": 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) - "Phantom of Fifth Avenue": 3.7/5 (2,300+ ratings) Amazon: - "Mrs. Astor Regrets": 4.3/5 - "Bunny Mellon": 4.4/5 - "Phantom of Fifth Avenue": 4.2/5 One reviewer summarized: "Gordon excels at untangling complex family relationships while maintaining journalistic objectivity."

Mrs. Astor Regrets: The Hidden Betrayals of a Family Beyond Reproach (2008) An examination of the final years of philanthropist Brooke Astor's life, focusing on the legal battle over her estate and her son's conviction for elder abuse.

The Phantom of Fifth Avenue: The Mysterious Life and Scandalous Death of Heiress Huguette Clark (2014) A biography detailing the life of copper heiress Huguette Clark, who lived in hospitals for decades despite owning multiple mansions, and the controversy surrounding her $300 million fortune.

Bunny Mellon: The Life of an American Style Legend (2017) A biography of horticulturist and art collector Bunny Mellon, chronicling her marriage to Paul Mellon, her design of the White House Rose Garden, and her friendship with Jackie Kennedy.

Disarming Women: The Life of Muriel Gardiner Buttinger (2023) A biography exploring psychoanalyst Muriel Gardiner Buttinger's role in the Austrian resistance movement during World War II and her later work in mental health advocacy.

Sally Bedell Smith writes biographies of wealthy American families and British royalty, with books on the Kennedys, Clintons, and Windsor family. Her research style and focus on power dynamics parallel Gordon's approach to chronicling influential families.

William D. Cohan investigates the inner workings of prominent American dynasties and financial institutions through detailed reporting and archival research. His books on the Duponts and Wall Street firms share Gordon's interest in how wealth shapes American society.

Kitty Kelley specializes in unauthorized biographies of powerful figures including Nancy Reagan, the Bush family, and Oprah Winfrey. Her investigative methods and focus on revealing the private lives behind public personas align with Gordon's biographical approach.

Laurence Leamer documents American aristocracy with extensive coverage of the Kennedy family and Palm Beach society. His exploration of privilege and power structures mirrors Gordon's examination of elite social circles.

Steven Gaines chronicles the lives of wealthy New York and Hamptons residents through deep reporting on their social networks and business dealings. His focus on Manhattan and Long Island's upper class parallels Gordon's coverage of similar territory.