The contemporary story of one of the wealthiest and most misunderstood families in the world, unearthed by leading editor, journalist and Vanity Fair writer-at-large James Reginato, makes a special appearance this Fall to discuss his 2022 book Growing Up Getty: The Story of America’s Most Unconventional Dynasty. In a compelling conversation with George McNeely (historian, lecturer, and writer and the former Senior Vice President of Business Development at Christie’s), Reginato will provide a peek behind the curtain on his extensive research into the life of J. Paul Getty; the diaries, love letters, and interviews that led to his enthralling reveal. With a career interviewing some of the world’s most elusive individuals including Bunny Mellon, the Prince of Wales and Aga Khan, the world of J. Reginato will be sure to inspire.
If you are unable to attend the event, but would like to purchase one or more signed copies, please visit Buxton Books here.
About the Book
Growing Up Getty: The Story of America’s Most Unconventional Dynasty shares the life of oil magnate J. Paul Getty, once the richest man in the world, and also the patriarch of an extraordinary cast of sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. While some have been brought low by mental illness, drug addiction, and one of the most sensational kidnapping cases of the 20th century, many of Getty’s heirs have achieved great success. In addition to Mark Getty, a co-founder of Getty Images, and Anne G. Earhart, an award-winning environmentalist, others have made significant marks in a variety of fields, from music and viniculture to politics and LGBTQ rights. Now, across four continents, a new generation of lively, unique, and even outrageous Gettys is emerging—and not coasting on the dynasty’s still-immense wealth. A far-flung yet surprisingly close-knit group, the ascendant Gettys are bringing this iconic family onto the global stage in the 21st century.
About James Reginato
Journalist and author James Reginato is a longtime writer-at-large at Vanity Fair. Reginato’s work has also appeared in such publications as WSJ, Sotheby’s, Town & Country, New York and W Magazine, where he served as Features Director for many years. He is the author of books including Great Houses, Modern Aristocrats (published by Rizzoli), an intimate and lively look at some of Great Britain’s most historic houses and the families who still live in them. His most recent book, Growing Up Getty: The Story of America’s Most Unconventional Dynasty was published by Simon & Schuster. While becoming the richest man in the world, Minnesota-born oil magnate J. Paul Getty (1892-1976) produced five sons with five wives. His descendants–19
grandchildren and (at last count) 45 great grandchildren–have grappled in astonishingly diverse ways with the fate of belonging to a modern dynasty. Through deep research as well as interviews with family members and their intimates, Reginato pierced many of the myths that have surrounded this complex and elusive family. A native of Chicago, James is a graduate of Columbia University and lives in New York City.
About George McNeely
George McNeely is an architectural historian, lecturer and writer. He writes a regular column on architectural history in the Chestnut Hill Local. He co-edited World Monuments: 50 Irreplaceable Sites to Discover, Explore and Champion (Rizzoli, 2015). Most recently he was Vice President for International Affairs at World Monuments Fund, the premier international organization working to protect the world’s architectural heritage. Prior to joining WMF, George was with Christie’s for 15 years as a senior vice president in Business Development and the Chairman’s Office. Previously, he worked at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and in management consulting. George has a BA in art history from Princeton University and an MBA from the Columbia Business School. He has also served as a charity auctioneer for hundreds of charity events throughout the United States and abroad. His auctioneering skills have also led to television appearances, including on Law & Order.
