Edith by Andrea F. Ross

 Edith Rockefeller McCormack was the daughter of John D Rockefeller and the wife of Harold McCormick (of the International Harvester family). Though she led a colorful and often productive public life, her personal life was punctuated by tragedies and separation from her family. Among her accomplishments were establishing the Brookfield Zoo outside of Chicago, establishing an opera company in Chicago, building a successful real estate empire, and creating an institute of infectious diseases (now part of the University of Chicago). She supported writers such as James Joyce and helped ensure the legacy of Carl Jung. All of which is a remarkable legacy for a woman who is basically unknown today.

I have to say, I was appalled (but not surprised) at the way many of the men in her life  treated her--refusing to offer financial help and even keeping important legal and medical information from her. 

And I thought one of the most laudable characters in this book was Katharine McCormick, Edith's sister in law, whose husband suffered from severe mental health issues for most of their marriage. She remained a steadfast, loyal wife and devoted her considerable energy and intelligence to a variety of important causes impacting women.

Quick but fascinating read that proves that money can't buy happiness.