Baroness of Hobcaw: The Life of Belle W. Baruch

Daughter of the
Wolf of Wall Street,
Belle Baruch (1899-1964) could outride, outshoot, outhunt, and outsail most of the young men of her elite social circle. Unapologetic for her athleticism and interests in traditionally masculine pursuits, Baruch towered above male and female counterparts in height and daring. She is known today for the wildlife conservation and biological research center on the South Carolina coast that bears her family name. Belle’s life reflects the world of wealthy northerners like the Vanderbilts and Luces who bought tracts of southern acreage. Miller details Belle’s fox hunting at Hobcaw, show jumping at Deauville, flying her own plane, and traveling with Edith Bolling Wilson. She recounts Belle’s efforts to win her mother’s approval and her father’s attention, as well as her unraveling relationships with friends, family, employees, and lovers - both male and female. Miller describes Belle’s final success in saving Hobcaw from development as the overarching triumph of a tempestuous life.