Stephen Birmingham
Stephen Birmingham was an American author known for his social history books about the wealthy in America. He was born on May 15, 1929, in Hartford, Connecticut, and he graduated from Williams College in 1950 before pursuing further studies at Yale University. Birmingham's work often focused on the lives and communities of the upper class and various ethnic groups, including Jewish Americans, African Americans, and the British aristocracy.
His best-known book, 'Our Crowd: The Great Jewish Families of New York', delves into the history of prominent Jewish families in New York City, showcasing his interest in cultural and ethnic histories. Birmingham's writing style combined detailed historical research with engaging narrative, making his books popular among both scholars and general readers.
Throughout his career, Birmingham wrote more than thirty books, including biographies, histories, and novels. He had a particular talent for revealing the connections between private wealth and public life in America. Stephen Birmingham passed away on November 15, 2015, leaving behind a legacy of influential works that continue to offer insights into the complexities of American social history.