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 * about the //fabuLUXE// pathfinder **

Created by Emily Hankley Berger School of Library & Information Science, IUPUI S603: Electronic Materials for Children & Young Adults, Summer 2009

You may be one of the many fans of Anna Godberson's series of Luxe novels, or you may still be debating whether or not to pick up a copy of the best-selling book that started it all. The fabuLUXE pathfinder is designed for those who want insight into the world behind the Manhattan social scene at the turn of the century, and provides you with a full list of resources to satisfy even the pickiest of debutantes.

You'll also learn more about America's Gilded Age, Industrial Revolution and Victorian and Edwardian eras that provide the backdrop to the Luxe series, and explore the other less-glamourous areas of Manhattan.

After exploring this pathfinder, you'll have a better understanding of the historical context of the Luxe series and you'll find out more about books, Web sites and other materials to expand your knowledge.

Many of these electronic materials, particularly the Web sites, have digitally documented this era through photos, color illustrations, film and sound. You'll be able to visualize the sights and settings of the Luxe series and turn-of-the-centry Manhattan, giving you a more in-depth look at the lives of your favorite Luxe characters!

Materials for the pathfinder were chosen because of their direct relation to the Luxe series, whether they were Web sites about the novels or author, or related to the fashion, culture or history of the time. Each annotation includes brief information about selection and offers helpful suggestions on putting the information to use. Some of the annotations also include Extension Ideas designed to give you other opportunities to explore the information, create your own content and hone your reading, writing and information technology skills.

Go beyond the fabuLUXE pathfinder with your own search. Head to popular databases such and [|Google] and try the following keywords and search terms:

- Luxe - Anna Godberson - Victorian Era -Victorian Period - Victorian AND fashion - Edwardian Era - Edwardian Period - Victorian AND culture - Manhattan AND turn of the century - Manhattan AND Victorian period - Gilded Age - Industrial Revolution

Have something to add to this pathfinder? No problem! This pathfinder was designed as a wiki, so please feel free to add valuable websites and resources to the list already provided. Additionally, if you think of your own Extension Idea, please include it under the appropriate resource.

For some information on the Luxe novels to get you started, read the brief reviews and descriptions below.

Enjoy!


 * the Luxe novels **



//**The Luxe:**// From //Publishers Weekly// With a quote from //The Age of Innocence// as an epigraph and an enthusiastic blurb from the creator of //Gossip Girl// on its back cover, this lavishly produced debut makes no secret of its twin influences. The story opens in 1899 with the funeral of Elizabeth Holland, a well-bred beauty said to have plunged to her death in the Hudson River. The narrative then travels back several weeks, tracing the relationships and events that have led to the somber assembly. This tangled web includes not one but two sets of star-crossed lovers; an upstairs/downstairs romance; a scheming social climber; a bitter servant girl; and oodles of money, all set in a Edith Wharton via Hollywood vision of Old New York. The dialogue has its clunky moments, and the plot twist that drives the tale is telegraphed from the very start, but readers caught up in the fancy dress intrigue are unlikely to mind much: it’s all part of the dishy fun. Needless to say, the ending paves the way for at least one sequel. Ages 14-up.

//

From HarperCollins Publishers As rumors fly about the untimely demise of New York's brightest star, Elizabeth Holland, all eyes are on those closest to the dearly departed: her sister, Diana, the family's only hope for redemption; Henry Schoonmaker, the flame Elizabeth never extinguished; Penelope Hayes, poised to claim all that her best friend left behind; even Elizabeth's former maid, Lina Broud, who discovers that while money matters and breeding counts, gossip is the new currency. In this delicious sequel to the //New York Times// bestselling //The Luxe//, nothing is more dangerous than a scandal. . . or more precious than a secret.
 * Rumors: A Luxe Novel**//



//**Envy: A Luxe Novel**// From HarperCollins Publishers Two months after Elizabeth Holland's dramatic homecoming, Manhattan eagerly awaits her return to the pinnacle of society. When Elizabeth refuses to rejoin her sister Diana's side, however, those watching New York's favorite family begin to suspect that all is not as it seems behind the stately doors of No. 17 Gramercy Park South. Farther uptown, Henry and Penelope Schoonmaker are the city's most celebrated couple. But despite the glittering diamond ring on Penelope's finger, the newlyweds share little more than scorn for each other. And while the newspapers call Penelope's social-climbing best friend, Carolina Broad, an heiress, her fortune—and her fame—are anything but secure, especially now that one of society's darlings is slipping tales to the eager press. In this next thrilling installment of Anna Godbersen's bestselling Luxe series, Manhattan's most envied residents appear to have everything they desire: Wealth. Beauty. Happiness. But sometimes the most practiced smiles hide the most scandalous secrets. . ..