Get 3 audiobooks free with a 30-Day Free Trial Sign Up Free

Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago, and the Rise of America's Xanadu

Author:
Les Standiford
Read by:
John Mclain
Read Read Own Own

Unabridged Audiobook

Listen Free Now
  • Listen free with a 30-day free trial
  • Choose 2 bonus VIP books
  • Enjoy 10,000 always free books
Ratings
Book
6
Narrator
3
Release Date
November 5, 2019
Duration
8 hours 12 minutes
Summary
Looking at the island of Palm Beach today, with its unmatched mansions, tony shops, and pristine beaches, one is hard pressed to visualize the dense tangle of Palmetto brush and mangroves that it was when visionary entrepreneur and railroad tycoon Henry Flagler first arrived there in April 1893. Trusting his remarkable instincts, within less than a year he had built the Royal Poinciana Hotel, and two years later what was to become the legendary Breakers—instantly establishing the island as the preferred destination for those who could afford it. Over the next 125 years, Palm Beach has become synonymous with exclusivity—especially its most famous residence, 'Mar-a-Lago.' As Les Standiford relates, 'the high walls of Mar-a-Lago and other manses like it were seemingly designed to contain scandal within as much as keep intruders out.'



With the authority and narrative prose style that has gained Standiford's work widespread acclaim, Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago, and the Rise of America's Xanadu tells the history of this fabled landscape intertwined with the colorful lives of its famous protagonists.
Browse By Category
Reviews
Profile Avatar Greg S. May 2023

It was interesting to learn about the development of Florida and the formation of Palm Beach as a society. Was hoping for a little more “juice” though.

Profile Avatar Rich Mar 2022

I enjoy this author and his engaging way of relating history. If I hadn’t recently finished another of his books, which covered the extended portion of this book concerning Henry Flagler in more detail, I may have given the book 5 Stars. Narrator was top notch.

Profile Avatar Angela S. Mar 2020

Interesting and a great read.

Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago, and the Rise of America's Xanadu

Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago, and the Rise of America's Xanadu

Author: Les Standiford
Read by: John Mclain
Listen Free Now Get any book plus
2 bonus VIP books
1 book added to cart
Subtotal
$24.99
View Cart