The Silver Swan: In Search of Doris Duke

Doris Duke was an American heiress, philanthropist, and art collector. She was known for her eccentric lifestyle and her vast collection of Islamic art. The Silver Swan is a biography of Duke by author Sally Bedell Smith. The book tells the story of Duke's life, from her childhood to her death in 1993. Smith paints a portrait of a complex and fascinating woman who was both generous and self-destructive.

The Silver Swan: In Search of Doris Duke

by Sallie Bingham

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	28333 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages

FREE

Duke was born in 1912 to a wealthy tobacco heiress and a Wall Street banker. She was a sickly child, and her parents often sent her to Europe for medical treatment. As a young woman, Duke developed a passion for art and travel. She spent her summers in Newport, Rhode Island, and her winters in Paris. She also traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and Asia, where she collected Islamic art.

In 1935, Duke married James Cromwell, a diplomat. The marriage was short-lived, and Duke divorced Cromwell in 1937. She then married Porfirio Rubirosa, a Dominican playboy. The marriage was also short-lived, and Duke divorced Rubirosa in 1948. In 1950, Duke married Louis Bromfield, a novelist. The marriage lasted until Bromfield's death in 1956.

After Bromfield's death, Duke became increasingly reclusive. She spent most of her time at her estate in Newport, Rhode Island. She rarely gave interviews and seldom appeared in public. Duke died in 1993 at the age of 80.

Doris Duke was a complex and fascinating woman. She was a generous philanthropist who gave away millions of dollars to charities and museums. She was also a devoted art collector who amassed one of the finest collections of Islamic art in the world. However, Duke was also a troubled woman who struggled with depression and addiction. She was often lonely and isolated, and she never seemed to find lasting happiness.

The Silver Swan is a well-written and insightful biography of Doris Duke. Smith paints a vivid portrait of a woman who was both extraordinary and flawed. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Doris Duke or the history of American philanthropy.

Cast of Characters

• Doris Duke: An American heiress, philanthropist, and art collector. She was known for her eccentric lifestyle and her vast collection of Islamic art.
• James Cromwell: A diplomat and Duke's first husband.
• Porfirio Rubirosa: A Dominican playboy and Duke's second husband.
• Louis Bromfield: A novelist and Duke's third husband.
• Sally Bedell Smith: The author of The Silver Swan.

Themes

• Philanthropy: Duke was a generous philanthropist who gave away millions of dollars to charities and museums.
• Art collecting: Duke was a devoted art collector who amassed one of the finest collections of Islamic art in the world.
• Mental illness: Duke struggled with depression and addiction.
• Loneliness: Duke was often lonely and isolated.

Critical Reception

The Silver Swan received widespread critical acclaim. The New York Times called it "a fascinating and insightful biography of a complex and enigmatic woman." The Washington Post called it "a must-read for anyone interested in Doris Duke or the history of American philanthropy."

Legacy

Doris Duke's legacy is complex and multifaceted. She was a generous philanthropist who made significant contributions to the arts and sciences. She was also a devoted art collector who amassed one of the finest collections of Islamic art in the world. However, Duke was also a troubled woman who struggled with depression and addiction. She was often lonely and isolated, and she never seemed to find lasting happiness.

Doris Duke Today

Doris Duke's legacy continues to inspire and fascinate people today. Her art collection is now housed in the Doris Duke Islamic Art Center at the Honolulu Museum of Art. The Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art continues to support research and exhibitions on Islamic art. And Duke's story continues to be told in books, articles, and films.

The Silver Swan: In Search of Doris Duke

by Sallie Bingham

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	28333 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages

FREE