Philistines at the Hedgerow: Passion and Property in the Hamptons

Philistines at the Hedgerow chronicles the history and social dynamics of Long Island's Hamptons through interconnected stories of its residents and visitors. The book focuses on key figures from the 1950s through the 1990s, including wealthy homeowners, artists, real estate developers, and local families. The narrative tracks the transformation of the Hamptons from a quiet farming and fishing community to an exclusive summer destination for New York's elite. Through detailed portraits of characters like painter Alfonso Ossorio and real estate broker Allan Schneider, Gaines documents the area's real estate battles, social competitions, and cultural shifts. The work captures both the preservation efforts of established residents and the forces of change brought by new money and development. At its core, the book examines themes of class conflict, old versus new wealth, and the complex relationship between art, commerce, and community in American resort towns.

Readers describe this as a gossipy, behind-the-scenes look at wealthy Hampton residents and their real estate battles. Many found it entertaining but lacking depth. Liked: - Rich details about eccentric characters and personalities - Historical background on the area's development - Inside view of status-seeking and social climbing - Smooth, magazine-style writing Disliked: - Too focused on scandals over substance - Jumps between storylines without clear connection - Some inaccuracies in historical details - Feels dated (published 1998) "Like reading Page Six in book form," noted one Amazon reviewer. "More interested in drama than analysis," wrote another. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (100+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.5/5 (50+ ratings) The book resonates most with readers interested in Hamptons social history and real estate stories, less with those seeking serious cultural analysis.

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🌊 The book's title references the tension between old-money Hampton residents and nouveau riche newcomers, with "Philistines" being a derogatory term used by established families to describe the wealthy newcomers they viewed as culturally unsophisticated. 🏠 Among the colorful characters profiled is Peter Matthiessen, who lived in a centuries-old homestead that was originally built by his wife's ancestors in 1669, making it one of the oldest European-built houses in New York State. 👨‍🎨 Author Steven Gaines spent over four years conducting research and interviews for the book, including extensive conversations with artist Willem de Kooning's daughter Lisa, providing intimate insights into the artist's life in the Hamptons. 💰 The book chronicles how the Hamptons transformed from a quiet farming and fishing community into one of America's most expensive real estate markets, where a single acre of oceanfront property could sell for millions of dollars by the 1990s. 🎭 Truman Capote features prominently in the narrative, including accounts of his infamous parties at his beachfront home in Sagaponack, where he hosted gatherings that mixed Manhattan's literary elite with local farmers and fishermen.