Bibliograph

Type

Label

The Duchess Countess, the woman who scandalized eighteenth-century London, Catherine Ostler

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 633-645)

resource.biographical

individual biography

Illustrations

platesgenealogical tablesportraitsillustrations

Index

no index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

The Duchess Countess

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

1311591755

Responsibility statement

Catherine Ostler

Sub title

the woman who scandalized eighteenth-century London

Summary

"Discover the adventurous life of the stylish and scandalous Elizabeth Chudleigh, Duchess of Kingston--a woman whose infamous trial was bigger news in British society than the American War of Independence. "Bridgerton fans take note: For sheer incident and drama, Chudleigh's story rivals any episode of the popular Regency-era Netflix series. And it's all true" (The Washington Post). As maid of honor to the Princess of Wales, Elizabeth Chudleigh enjoyed a luxurious life in the inner circle of the Hanoverian court. With her extraordinary style and engaging wit, she both delighted and scandalized the press and public. She would later even inspire William Thackeray when he was writing his classic Vanity Fair, providing the inspiration for the alluring social climber Becky Sharp. But Elizabeth's real story is more complex and surprising than anything out of fiction. A clandestine, candlelit wedding to the young heir to an earldom, a second marriage to a duke, a lust for diamonds, and an electrifying appearance at a masquerade ball in a gossamer dress--it's no wonder that Elizabeth's eventual trial was a sensation. Charged with bigamy, an accusation she vehemently fought against, Elizabeth refused to submit to public humiliation and retire quietly. "A superb, gripping, decadent, colorful biography that brings an extraordinary woman and a whole world blazingly to life" (Simon Sebag Montefiore, New York Times bestselling author), The Duchess Countess is perfect for fans of Bridgerton, Women of Means, and The Crown"--, Provided by publisher

Table Of Contents

Introduction -- Prologue -- Part one: Countess. A town of palaces ; Succession ; The House of Hanover ; Maid of honour ; "The English Casanova" ; The clandestine marriage ; Pretender ; Marriage redux ; Iphigenia ; The rivals -- Part two: Duchess. "The handsomest man in England" ; A woman of property ; Fireworks ; A grand tour ; Marriage à la mode ; A duchess meets a king ; Thorsby ; The last duke ; Conversazioni ; The crown against Elizabeth ; Prelude to a trial ; In Westminster Hall -- Part three: Duchess Countess. Courting an empress ; Hervey vs Hervey ; Diamonds and ice ; Chudleigh on the Baltic ; Chudleigh on the Seine ; Battle of wills -- Epilogue -- Cast list

Classification