This biography of the hitherto long forgotten Georgiana Lennox, later Baroness de Ros, offers an unusual perspective on someone much more famous: Arthur, Duke of Wellington, the hero of Waterloo. The two were, remarkably, steadfast friends until Wellington’s death despite a 26-year age gap and a mutual but unrealised romantic attraction (it matured into a firm friendship).
Using documents in the de Ros family archive, Alice Marie Crossland traces their relationship and reveals to us little-appreciated aspects of the Duke’s complex personality. We hear anecdotes of his raucous party game of pulling ladies seated on rugs around the corridors of grand houses and of horsing around with his many godchildren, but also of his kindness to the terrified young woman who was being presented to him as a possible future daughter-in-law. In his affectionate friendship with Georgy he shows himself as kind, considerate and generous.
Crossland’s writing style is accessible and informal and she has wisely focused on relating the story rather than on weighty explications of background and context. Her scene-setting is deft and lightly-done and there are some excellent descriptions, especially of the events at the ball in Brussels (given by Georgy’s mother) before the Battle of Waterloo.
Many will enjoy this book for its engaging portrait of an unusual friendship, the new perspectives on Wellington, and for the unique account of the life of a young female aristocrat in the Regency period.
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Principais avaliações de outros países
Nomester
Unique original research and good storytelling
Avaliado no Reino Unido em 29 de agosto de 2017Emily
A surprisingly great holiday read
Avaliado no Reino Unido em 10 de outubro de 2017
Emily
Avaliado no Reino Unido em 10 de outubro de 2017
Surprisingly this actually had everything I wanted. A proper storyline, gripping with some juicy drama in it - not to mention the history part is actually fascinating without being too heavy and making you feel like you were back at school which is always great.
If nothing else, I've bought one for my grandma and my mum so I think that says it all really. Great gift Aunty Sue - thanks!
Imagens nesta avaliação
Lauren G
A biography that is a pleasure to read
Avaliado nos Estados Unidos em 23 de dezembro de 2017
