Once the epitome of soigné worldly glamour, the words “jet set” conjure images of exotic global destinations and golden beaches; clandestine rendezvous on opulent yachts; star-studded parties in palatial mansions, the women in couture gowns and glittering jewels, the men in debonair tuxedos. The people of the jet set were the last vestiges of a leisured and cultivated age, a world of taste and culture, elegance and beauty.

Swans: Legends of the Jet Society captures the spirit of this world, in which today’s technology was the stuff of science fiction, when foreign travel was the preserve of a privileged cosmopolitan few. From bygone aristocracy to modern mega-wealthy moguls, this stunning volume regales with escapades of travel, money, sex, and adventure. These are the legends of the jet set—tales of glamour, excitement, and exclusivity.