Paul Ernest Boniface de Castellane, Marquis of Castellane was born in 1867 and was one of the dominant figures of a vanished age. Celebrated for his style, taste, and wit, his name still recalls elegance. Born with one of the great names of the ancient French aristocracy, remembered as the prince of fashion and taste. In 1897, handsome, blond, with eyes of lapis lazuli blue, he married Anna Gould, daughter of American Robber Baron Jay Gould, and one of the weathiest heiresses in America. Although he was not exactly poor at that time, he was suddenly able to realize all of his dreams. He bought castles, yachts, paintings, became the best-dressed man in Europe, and built the fabulous Palais Rose, in Paris, where they lived, and gave enormous and memorable parties. At the same time, he served as a Deputy in the French Legislature for six terms.
In 1906, the money disappeared. His wife asked for a divorce. Boni was ruined overnight. Assailed by creditors, destitute at 39, he suddenly had to learn how to earn money. He became a journalist, an antiques dealer, and adapted to his new life with the same elegance and optimism that had always been his. After few years, he was able to pay off all of his debts and finally lease his first apartment in Paris. In the 1920's, he wrote L'Art d'Être Pauvre.
Paul Ernest Boniface de Castellane, Marquis of Castellane was born in 1867 and was one of the dominant figures of a vanished age. Celebrated for his style, taste, and wit, his name still recalls elegance. Born with one of the great names of the ancient French aristocracy, remembered as the prince of fashion and taste. In 1897, handsome, blond, with eyes of lapis lazuli blue, he married Anna Gould, daughter of American Robber Baron Jay Gould, and one of the weathiest heiresses in America. Although he was not exactly poor at that time, he was suddenly able to realize all of his dreams. He bought castles, yachts, paintings, became the best-dressed man in Europe, and built the fabulous Palais Rose, in Paris, where they lived, and gave enormous and memorable parties. At the same time, he served as a Deputy in the French Legislature for six terms. 