The Richest Girl in the World: The Extravagant Life and Fast Times of Doris Duke

By Stephanie Mansfield

Book Overview

From her birth in 1912, when she was christened the Million Dollar Baby, to her 13th birthday, when she inherited the bulk of her father's $100 million fortune, Doris Duke made headlines. Based on over 400 orginal interviews and declassified government documents, here is a riveting account of a privileged, secret life. 16-page photo insert.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 039913672X
• ISBN13: 9780399136726
• Release Date: June 1992
• Publisher: Putnam Publishing Group
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.5" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Tells the Story

This bio does what the title says it will. It tells us about the extravagance and the fast times of Doris Duke. On the plus side, there is a lot of material here and it reads better than a tabloid, but the many quotes from people with axes to grind hamper its credibility. According to this book, DD believed most people, esp. potential husbands were after her fortune, and from this book, one would have to agree with her. DD had to have another side that is not presented at all. She did manage to keep and grow her wealth at a time when her peers were losing theirs. In this book, the lawyers and financial advisors work off stage. For instance, the book would have you believe that DD's lawyers miraculously appeared minutes before her second marriage to secure a pre-nup to save her fortune. DD not only increased her fortune, she won almost every legal battle, even when the facts were stacked against her. To do this she had to have a stable dialog with professionals and devote time, that the author would have you believe she spent partying, to managing the estate. DD, one of Hawaii's most intriguing citizens, needs a more serious and comprehensive treatment.