Ah, Benny's parents, thanks for coming.

Hiya.

So, Benny has really blossomed this term. You're telling me, he outgrew his bike. We sold it, on eBay. Oh, that's not quite what I meant. It's free to sell on there. Free to sell? Easy too. Sold Benny's bike, your guitar, my jacket. You sold my guitar? Shall we talk about Benning?

When it's this easy to sell for free, you can't help but say when it's eBay.

Things people love. T's and C's Apply, Exclused vehicles.

Hello and welcome to Life of the Week, where leading historians delve into the lives of some of

history's most intriguing and significant figures, from ancient Egyptian pharaohs and

medieval warriors to daring 20th century spies.

In 19th century America's so-called Gilded Age, the exclusive society of New York's old-moneyed

families was shaken up by the arrival of a new breed of wealth. And none led this charge more than

Alva Vanderbilt. Wife to one of the Nouveau-Riche tycoons, dubbed robber barons, the headstrong Alva

forced her way into New York's elite circles. Clamboring to the very top through strategic

social climbing before turning her steely ambition to other causes, Alva's story offers a closer

look at the concerns and manoeuvrings of America's

wealthiest citizens at the dawn of industrialisation and mass media. Our expert for this episode is

Nancy Unger, Professor Emerita of American History at Santa Clara College of Arts and Sciences,

and she was speaking to Eleanor Evans.

Our subject today is one of the Vanderbiltz. You might have heard this name as a great

wealthy American dynasty, but you might not have heard of our subject. And today's guest,

Professor Nancy Anger, is going to take us all through her life. Nancy, thank you so much

for joining me today.

Oh, it's just a pleasure. I'm so eager to be talking with you about all the Vanderbilt.

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