The Hamptons — money – old and new, privilege, notoriety, fame — the history of the iconic Hamptons from its early rural beginnings to it’s becoming home to extravagant home and eccentric residents.

The author profiles fifteen different figures who have resided in the Hamptons –

Robert David Lion Gardiner, descended from the first family to settle in the Hamptons. Also the owner of a 3,500 acre island off the coast, named Gardiner Island. Visiting there is like a step back in time.

Alfonso Ossorio, heir to Domino Sugar, well-educated and well-known as an artist and collector, and his partner Ted Dragon. Dragon had been a dancer with the New York City Ballet. They purchased a property named The Creeks and restored it to grandeur. It was a gathering place for artists and other creative types.

Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner, artists of international fame. He a man of mood swings. She keeping it all together.

This is a look into a world and people I’ve heard of over time. People with extravagant life styles good and bad.

Very interesting! ( )

I'm obviously nowhere near wealthy enough to afford a place in the Hamptons (I probably wouldn't even be allowed into the Hamptons), so I never gave the place much thought. Thanks to author Gaines, I now have knowledge of the history and the status of the mega exclusive seaside resort at the eastern end of Long Island.

We also get a history of Jackson Pollock and his particularly gruesome death, as well as wars between obscenely wealthy people over fences and boundary lines. ( )

Published a dozen years ago, Philistines at the Hedgerow is a romp through exclusive enclave of the Hamptons seen through the actions of its most quirky inhabitants. Weaving historical facts and anecdotes with contemporary battle royales, readers almost come to feel sorry for the extremely wealthy. Despite the natural beauty of the Hamptons with its pristine beaches and beautiful homes, with constant bickering, lawsuits, defamation, and bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Montauk Highway, it’s a sideshow to be missed. ( )