Philistines at the Hedgerow: Passion and Property in the Hamptons

The best way for me to describe Philistines is as the really good driving tour of the Hamptons. You get history, you get gossip, you get social commentary, you get, in other words, a feel for the Hamptons and how they came to be The Hamptons. The writing in Philistines (I'm a stickler for good writing) is breezy and smooth, perfect for summer or winter when you want to think about summer. My only quibble with the book is that the publisher could have included a map since I only have the vaguest of idea of where the Hamptons are on Long Island and how all the individual Hamptons fit together.

I loved this book. The author has written a social history of the Hamptons that's a real page-turner. The characters are fascinating and he evokes a sense of place that makes you feel the author knows every nook and cranny of his subject. The book creates an historical tapestry stretching from pre-Revolutionary days to an end- of-the-millenium July 4th party. It would be easy to take potshots at the rich and richers who live in the Hamptons, but the author, who sees these characters with a clear and discerning eye, never condescends. The book moves so quickly I finished it in one sitting. This is my favorite kind of book-- a non-fiction book that reads like a novel. Because of the subject, some people might consider this a summer read, but I found this to be THE perfect book to read during a recent snowstorm. Enjoy!

Having resided in East Hampton every summer of my life save one form mid- may to late August, I can safely say that this book is not only well- written and stylish but also true to fact- for instace, my father was invited to the Weatherill coming-out and is in the famous "group mug shot" on the steps of Ocean Castle- he can attest that the names and events mentioned are not only faithful to the truth- but entertaining also.

I read the book like one savors a delectable morsel of some rare treat - slowly, deliberately, trying to make every bite last an eternity.Stephen Gaines managed to capture in great detail not only the fascinating and unique history of this town but he artfully blended in the hilarious shenanigans that color today's East Hampton.Most Hamptons visitors and probably most recent residents are unfortunately not aware of this town's character beyond the "rich & famous" banalities usually reported in the tabloid press.What partied-out summer reveler can tell you that:1. The East Hampton Trustees, a body of private citizens, own the waterways to this day through a decree by King George and not even the U.S. Federal Government has succeeded in successfully challenging this right?2. The oldest cattle ranch is in Montauk, not some place in the West?3. Amagansett was the only location in the U.S. that was ever invaded by the Nazis in WW2?4. Captain Kidd's treasure is buried somewhere off the shores of East Hampton?5. Gardiner Island is owned by a man who holds his title from King GeorgeThese and countless other fascinating tidbits were carefully researched and documented in the book along with the bizarre and outlandish behavior of some of our local celebrities.This is a fascinating book that educates the reader through an entertaining style a la Hard Copy. Really a must read!

This book of money, money and money in the Hamptons read like one long glorious gossip column! But I don't mean this as a criticism - we wouldn't be human if we didn't like gossip. And what is juicier than fame, fortune and fabulous property? Add to it some serious eccentricity, and heavy summer traffic and you have one of the most entertaining reads of the year.