Just how weak were the women of the Civil War era? What could they expect beyond marriage and childbirth in an age where infant and maternal mortality was frequent and contraception unknown? Did anyone marry for love? Could a woman divorce? What rights had the unmarried? What expectations the widowed? An expert on the period, Antonia Fraser brings to life the many and various women she has encountered in her considerable research: governesses, milkmaids, fishwives, nuns, defenders of castles, courtesans, countesses, witches and widows. 'Consistently interesting, funny, touching and thought-provoking to read: a fresh angle of vision has given her a fresh view of the private life of the seventeenth century, and she conveys it with skill.' Spectator 'A work of great technical assurance...she writes with a consistent warmth, wit, modesty, conviction on a subject which will be a revelation to almost anyone' The Times 'A distinguished and graceful book, packed with interesting information' Observer