Flight of the Wasp – Michael Gross

Summary

For decades, writers have proclaimed the diminishment of the White Anglo-Saxon Protestants, who for generations were the dominant socio-cultural-political force in America. While the WASP elite has, in the last half century, indeed drifted from American centrality to the periphery, its relevance and impact remain, as Michael Gross reveals in his compelling chronicle.

From Colonial America’s founding settlements through the Gilded Age to the present day, Gross traces the complex legacy of American WASPs through the lives of fifteen influential individuals and their very privileged, sometimes intermarried families. As the clans progress, prosper, and periodically stumble, defining aspects in the four-century sweep of American history emerge: our wide, oft-contentious religious diversity; the deep scars of slavery, genocide, and intolerance; the creation and sometime misuse of astonishing economic and political power; an instinct to offset inequity with philanthropy; an equal capacity for irresponsible, sometimes wanton, behavior.

Review

In “Flight of the WASP” Gross centres in the legacy of the original elite, such as the Bradford, Randolph, Morris, Biddle, Sanford, Peabody and Whitney clans. In this work we see their roles in history and how these families redefined what a WASP is.

As the book remains a thought-provoking exploration of a key part of American history and culture, Gross also raises important questions about the nature of power and privilege in American society.

Overall, “Flight of the WASP” offers a fascinating look at the rise, fall, and potential future of America’s original ruling class. It is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in understanding the cultural and social forces that have shaped American society over the past century.

Spotted mistakes:

Random capitalisations of words such as “fine Woman”.

Adèle de Flahault’s name is misspelled as Flathaut.