American Empress
The Life and Times of Marjorie Merriweather Post
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
Embark on a remarkable journey through the pages of "American Empress: The Life and Times of Marjorie Merriweather Post," a comprehensive biography of one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs in American history. This meticulously researched volume offers a window into the life of Marjorie Post, whose Midwestern childhood in the heart of the cereal belt was just the beginning of an extraordinary saga. One incredible aspect of her life is that she was the builder of Mar-A-Lago.
From the rustic barn where young Marjorie's glue-stained hands were worn from assembling cereal boxes to the opulent boardrooms where she later wielded influence as a formidable American businesswoman, this narrative captures the essence of an era and the indomitable spirit of the woman who left an indelible mark on it. As the heiress to a cereal empire, Marjorie's story is not just one of wealth and social standing but also personal tenacity and visionary leadership.
This Marjorie Post book takes readers through the pivotal moments that shaped her life—from her enterprising ventures in the family business to her role as a diplomat's wife. Each chapter weaves together the personal and professional triumphs and challenges she faced, painting a portrait of a woman whose influence extended well beyond the boardroom.
A celebrated female philanthropist, Marjorie's legacy is marked by her generous spirit and her unwavering commitment to enriching the world around her. Her philanthropic endeavors spanned from the arts to civic projects, making her a patron with a purpose. Her story is a testament to the power of generosity, showing how one woman's dedication to giving back can ignite change and inspire generations.
This biography of Marjorie Merriweather Post is more than just a chronicle of a life lived grandly; it's an exploration of one individual's impact on the fabric of society. It is an invitation to explore the life of a woman who was as complex as she was charismatic, as formidable in business as she was in her philanthropic pursuits. For those who seek to understand the full spectrum of American legacy, "American Empress" is a must-read—a tribute to the life and times of a true pioneer.
Whether you are drawn to tales of success, inspired by the stories of pioneering women, or intrigued by the rich tapestry of American history, this Marjorie Merriweather Post biography offers an engaging and enlightening narrative. Her story will resonate with anyone who believes in the transformative power of ambition, the importance of giving back, and the enduring influence of a life well-lived. Join us in celebrating the journey of a woman whose vision and generosity helped to shape the world we know today.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This entrancing biography of Marjorie Merriweather Post (1887-1973)-socialite, businesswoman, Palm Beach, Fla., pacesetter, opulent Washington hostess, philanthropist-is full of high drama, gossip, scandal and international political intrigue. Her father, C.W. (Charles William) Post, cured of ``invalidism'' at the Battle Creek, Mich., sanatorium of Dr. John Kellogg (inventor of packaged breakfast cereal), went on to develop Postum, a coffee substitute, and Post Toasties cereal. When C.W. killed himself in 1914, Marjorie, his only child, became sole heir of the Postum Cereal Co. With her sexually unfaithful second husband, stockbroker E.F. Hutton, Postum acquired Clarence Birdseye's frozen foods company, General Foods, which, partly through Post's influence as a board member, diversified into a food empire. Her third husband, Washington lobbyist Joseph Davies, became FDR's ambassador to the Soviet Union and helped cement the Soviet-U.S. alliance against Hitler. While living in Russia, Post was appalled at the Soviet police state. She divorced fourth husband Herbert May, a Pittsburgh executive, after a blackmailer's photographers revealed his homosexuality. Rubin, a frequent contributor to the New York Times, limns a warm, generous Christian Scientist, an imperious, perfectionist mother of three daughters, a down-to-earth woman who held square-dance parties and peppered her speech with expletives. Photos not seen by PW. First serial to Town & Country.