The Gilded Leaf

Book excerpt: Fascinating Illuminating stunning detail. Chicago Tribune Fascinating insight into the evolution of a family over three generations that is simply a good read panoramic sweep, bitter irony and tragic touches. Detroit Free Press Fascinating insider's view of three generations of the R. J. Reynolds tobacco family compelling. Richmond Times-Dispatch An altogether fascinating story [that] quickly builds speed and interest and becomes an absorbing story of fortune and misfortune. Washington Post Book World Readers of this captivating account may need to remind themselves that it is not fiction. There are colorful characters, a family rising from humble beginnings to attain fabulous wealth and power, scandal and tragedy wrought by excess and an irony-laden finale. Publishers Weekly A courageous and worthwhile book. More than an entertainment, it documents the danger of parents who confuse money with love. New York Times Book Review * * * The Gilded Leaf is the riveting, dramatic saga of the R. J. Reynolds tobacco family, one of America's richest and most intensely private clans. R.J. was the original founder of the company that became part of RJR Nabisco, which in 1988 was involved in the largest business takeover in history. Spanning three generations, the Reynolds's story moves from the triumphs of founder and corporate genius R. J. to the dissipation, scandal, and tragedy that plagued his children and grandchildren. There is a redemptive close, with grandson Patrick Reynolds founding Smokefree America and becoming a leading anti-smoking advocate. The Gilded Leaf presents, for the first time, a complete account of the family who captured, spent and redeemed the American dream. For more information, please visit, www.tobaccofree.org/book/.