Hamilton Fish Armstrong (1893–1973)

An autobiography that manages to be funny and charming on the one hand, and completely free of cloying-ness on the other. The editor of Foreign Affairs looks back on his life growing up in both New York City and the Hudson River Valley (with side trips to Canada) in the very late Victorian and Edwardian era. A very absorbing read, skillfully told, and a great pleasure.

This languished for a while half-read. I bought it hoping to learn more about the artist, Margaret Armstrong, the author’s older sister.
But this is a memoir of his youth, and Margaret was appreciably older and played little part.
Chapter VIII describes idyllic summers on a Canadian lake. Margaret is mentioned in passing dressed as a devil in a stage performance. But the full description of his summers there is worth the price of the book.

And though it was published in 1963, it concerned show more life at the turn of the century. I’ve had to look up multiple unfamiliar terms, though it’s a time period I’ve read extensively.

Ah! The next to last chapter spends time illuminating Margaret’s person. Yay! In fact, each of his family members has their moment in the spotlight. A very satisfying set of people. It’s nice to have the acquaintance. show less