American Hotel: The Waldorf-Astoria and the Making of a Century

Completed in 1931, New York’s Waldorf—Astoria towers over Park Avenue as an international landmark and a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture. A symbol of elegance and luxury, the hotel has hosted countless movie stars, business tycoons, and world leaders over the past ninety years.

American Hotel takes us behind the glittering image to reveal the full extent of the Waldorf’s contribution toward shaping twentieth—century life and culture. Historian David Freeland examines the Waldorf from t...