Ephemeris of the Mind (Book Review) Making Monte Carlo: A History of Speculation and Spectacle
Time to read: 2 min read
Book Cover
On this Riviera beach there were no loves to be won forever, and no opponents to be bested, and the search for meaning was a waste of time.
Review
I had been learning quite a lot about Monte Carlo in the algorithmic sense but I actually knew very little about the real-life inspiration behind the statistical terminology.
I knew that Monte Carlo is an administrative area of the principality of Monaco known for gambling, but I was not aware of the intriguing history of Monte Carlo, nor of the eccentric characters who shaped Monte Carlo and Monaco into the cultural significant place it is today.
The story starts with entrepreneurship, and as with entrepreneurship today, the venture failed multiple times until François Blanc, the renowned "Magician of Homburg" casino baron, took over. The story covers Blanc's background as well as his clever tactics in negotiations (feigning disinterest) and marketing (branding Monte Carlo as a spa retreat with a casino attached).
The book then covers the progression of Monte Carlo throughout the ages up to the 1930s. It follows the stories of key Monte Carlo figures such as Blanc's children, the Monagesque royalty, as well as important figures throughout the time, such as the international arms dealer Basil Zaharoff and the American publicist Elsa Maxwell. Along the main stories are sprinkled side tales such as gossips of European nobility, the revolution which lasted less than a day, and the founding of the Monaco Grand Prix.
This book is very well-researched, with numerous references to niche primary sources. Unlike many history books, which tend to become overly academic, Braude's writing is very engaging and colloquial. He manages to distill complicated matters such as European geopolitics of the late 19th and early 20th century into digestible morsels, interwoven in a coherent narrative. Perhaps one of my favourite aspects of Braude's storytelling is his colourful description of colourful characters, such as the introduction of Elsa Maxwell:
She knew people wanted to read about a woman shaped as she was: Elsa Maxwell is fat and Elsa Maxwell is ugly and Elsa Maxwell does not give a damn what you think of her.
Conclusion
While only covering up to the 1930s, it was an enjoyable read which covered the early history of the Monte Carlo that we know of today.