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Kings Mistress, Queens Servant The Life and Times of Henrietta Tracy Borman

Kings Mistress, Queens Servant The Life and Times of Henrietta By Tracy Borman

Kings Mistress, Queens Servant The Life and Times of Henrietta by Tracy Borman


$21,99
Condition - Very Good
6 in stock

Summary

Henrietta Howard, later Countess of Suffolk, was the long-term mistress and confidante of King George II. Providing an insight into the dynamics of the Georgian court, this biography reveals a woman who was far more than the mistress to the King: a dedicated patron of the arts; and a lively and talented intellectual in her own right.

Kings Mistress, Queens Servant The Life and Times of Henrietta Summary

Kings Mistress, Queens Servant The Life and Times of Henrietta by Tracy Borman

Henrietta Howard, later Countess of Suffolk, was the long-term mistress and confidante of King George II. Described by Swift as a consummate courtier who packed away her 'private virtues...like cloaths in a chest', by Pope as 'so very reasonable, so unmov'd', and by the world at large as 'the Swiss' (due to her apparent neutrality), she remains as fascinating and perplexing today as she was for her contemporaries.Orphaned at the age of twelve after her mother died and her father was killed in a duel, and dragged into poverty by her brutal husband, Henrietta used her own ingenuity and determination to secure a role at the very heart of the royal court. Although renowned for her passivity and mildness, her relations with the Queen became increasingly acrimonious, and she made an enemy of Prime Minister Robert Walpole before eventually resigning her position amidst intense political scandal.As well as providing a fascinating insight into the dynamics of the Georgian court, Tracy Borman's wonderful biography reveals a woman who was far more than the mistress to the King: a dedicated patron of the arts; a lively and talented intellectual in her own right; a victim of violence and adultery; a passionate advocate for the rights of women long before the dawn of feminism. Above all, she was a woman of reason in an Age of Reason. The mark that this enigmatic and largely forgotten royal mistress left on the society and culture of early Georgian England was to resonate well beyond the confines of the court, and can still be felt today.

Kings Mistress, Queens Servant The Life and Times of Henrietta Reviews

It is the great strength of Tracy Borman's engaging new biography that, like Alison Weir and David Starkey before her, she manages to throw new light on the influence and careers of women in European courts -- Stella Tillyard Sunday Times Tracy Borman handles her voluminous material with easy grace Independent on Sunday Tracy Borman can tell a good story. Admittedly her subject is a gift...(she) handles them and their world with aplomb Economist A short and zippy portrait of George II's long-suffering paramour -- Tim Martin 'Christmas Biography Choice', Daily Telegraph Borman has certainly found an unsung and unusual heroine, what elevates her biography above the others in its genre is the author's sense of humour TLS

About Tracy Borman

Tracy Borman studied and taught history at the University of Hull and was awarded a PhD in 1997. She went on to a successful career in heritage and has worked for a range of historic properties and national heritage organisations, including the Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Archives. In 2002, at the age of 30, she was appointed Learning Director at English Heritage, with responsibility for bringing history to life for thousands of people through events, educational visits and community projects. Tracy Borman has regularly appeared on television and radio, and has featured in a range of magazine and newspaper articles. She is a regular contributor to history magazines, including articles in BBC History Magazine on the history of beauty and 18th century 'It' Girls. In addition, she also gives public talks and lectures on a wide range of subjects.

Additional information

GOR001966596
9781844138357
1844138356
Kings Mistress, Queens Servant The Life and Times of Henrietta by Tracy Borman
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Vintage Publishing
20080703
336
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Kings Mistress, Queens Servant The Life and Times of Henrietta