The Smart Set: Correspondence & Conversations

Enter the glittering world of New York’s high society at the turn of the 19th century through a lively mix of letters and conversations. The narrator’s sharp wit cuts through the pomp of balls, fashions, and family expectations, offering a candid glimpse of the era’s rituals. Listeners will hear the clink of champagne, the rustle of silk, and the private jokes that reveal both glamour and absurdity.

In a spirited letter to his brother, William H. Makeway describes a lavish debut ball for his daughter Julia, noting the dazzling décor, demanding hosts, and his own reluctant position on the sidelines. He jokes about the clash between an American marriage and the lure of European aristocracy, while skewering the guests’ pretensions. The result is an intimate, witty portrait of a family balancing tradition and ambition.