Success brought him wealth and influence, but his brash approach to marketing led some to regard him as pushy and self-serving. A stint as mayor – the result of his outspoken calls for better amenities in the fast-growing resort – ended in chaos and recrimination. He rebuilt his reputation through philanthropy, in large part thanks to the support of his devoted wife, Annie.

The Art of a Salesman, the first full-length biography of Russell-Cotes, uncovers the story of how this once controversial hotelier became one of the most important benefactors of his time.

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