Many fans of Edith Wharton's great novels "The Age of Innocence" and "The House of Mirth" may not realize that her very first published book was not a work of fiction at all.

In 1897, in collaboration with architect and interior designer Ogden Codman Jr, Wharton published "The Decoration of Houses", at the time, a groundbreaking work on the philosophy of interior design calling for a return to the classic European principles of balance, symmetry and proportion.

In fact when she built her own great country home The Mount in Lenox, Massachusetts in 1902, she incorporated many of the French, Italian and British principles she lays out in the book.

In this episode, returning guest Dr. Emily Orlando, noted Wharton scholar and author, helps us understand just what the publication of this first book meant to Wharton and the career that was to come.

Furthermore, Dr. Orlando addresses the overriding theme of Wharton's own search for home and place that reoccurs regularly in her stories and novels. We can then understand not only Edith Wharton's concepts for classic architectural design but at least for her - what makes a house a home.

Dr. Emily Orlando is the editor of a recently published new annotated edition of "The Decoration of Houses" available wherever books are sold.

This episode was produced and edited by Kieran Gannon

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Don Spiro, a vintage beverage specialist and one of the Gilded Gentleman's most popular guests, serves up a fascinating history of cocktails in the 19th century. So many cocktails often thought to have originated in the 20th century actually had their origins in the bars and saloons of the Gilded Age.

So fill the ice bucket and join Don and The Gilded Gentleman in a toast to a great new year!

This episode was edited by Kieran Gannon

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For many New Yorkers—and visitors alike—New Year’s Eve means gathering in Times Square, patiently counting down as the crystal-studded ball descends from the top of the former New York Times Building to mark the start of a new year.

Yet the celebration’s story runs far deeper than that single iconic moment. From how Times Square became the heart of the festivities to the ways its evolving character has shaped the city’s most famous night, New York’s New Year traditions are rich with history.

Join Greg Young and Tom Meyers of The Bowery Boys Podcast as they journey back in time to explore these celebrations, including the origins of one of the city’s oldest traditions—New York’s Chinese New Year.

Pop a bottle of bubbly and ring in the New Year with the Bowery Boys!

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