There may be slightly more than what is necessary about the family history, especially when it comes to those who are not featured in the book. The illustrious history of the families, particularly the Sedgwicks, is a vital piece to the puzzle when one considers how Edie was raised, and the stress on her and the other Sedgwick children in regards to status, money, politics, and education. The book starts off with a rather detailed history of the Sedgwick and Minturn families. Although the Sedgwicks were known as charismatic, fun loving and intelligent people, it was also well known that many of the family members suffered from emotional and psychological problems. Francis Sedgwick was obsessed with conformity and success, a trait that caused a great deal of grief for several of his children. The Sedgwicks were well educated and artistic people. Many believe that Edie's privileged childhood allowed the heiress and socialite an excessive amount of freedom, which may have caused her downfall. The Sedgwick family was affluent and recognized as a force in art and politics. Edie Sedgwick grew up on a ranch near Santa Barbara, California and was the seventh of eight children born to Alice de Forest and Francis Sedgwick. Edie was a fixture at The Factory for less than two years, although her presence and status as one of Warhol's superstars is legendary.

Many people associate Edie Sedgwick with The Factory, Andy Warhol's trendy art studio in Manhattan. Edie was one of the most popular women in the world for a time, although her psychological problems and drug addictions made her 'reign' turbulent and short. 'Edie: An American Biography' by Jean Stein is a non-fiction account of the life of Edie Sedgwick, an actress, model and socialite who came into prominence in the 1960s.

Edie by Jean Stein