THE DUCHESS COUNTESS
When the glamorous Elizabeth Chudleigh, Duchess of Kingston, Countess of Bristol, went on trial at Westminster Hall for bigamy in April 1776, the story drew more attention in society than the American War of Independence.
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 diaphanous dress: no wonder the trial was a sensation. However, Elizabeth refused to submit to public humiliation and retire quietly. Rather than backing gracefully out of the limelight, she embarked on a Grand Tour of Europe, being welcomed by the Pope and Catherine the Great among others.
As maid of honour to Augusta, Princess of Wales, Elizabeth led her life in the inner circle of the Hanoverian court and her exploits delighted and scandalised the press and the people. She made headlines, and was a constant feature in penny prints and gossip columns. Writers were intrigued by her. Thackeray drew on Elizabeth as inspiration for his calculating, alluring Becky Sharp. But her behaviour, often depicted as attention-seeking and manipulative, hid a more complex tale - that of Elizabeth's fight to overcome personal tragedy and loss.
Now, in this brilliantly told and evocative biography, Catherine Ostler takes a fresh look at Elizabeth's story and seeks to understand and reappraise a woman who refused to be defined by society's expectations of her. A woman who was by turns, brave, loving and generous but also reckless, greedy and insecure; a woman totally unwilling to accept the female status of underdog or to hand over all the power, the glory and the adventures of life to men.
Out now in the UK
Published in US 22nd February 2022 (cover top left)
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reviews
the times
“A scintillating story superbly told… [Ostler] has a remarkable ability to demonstrate her deep knowledge of the. period without being boring or a show-off… packs every paragraph with eye-opening detail , making you feel as though you’re living in the 18th century… extraordinary and touching” - Ysenda Maxtone Graham Read more
the sunday times
‘‘A rollicking read… a series of gloriously implausible soap opera twists… [Ostler] tells Elizabeth’s story with admirable style and gusto, and clearly finds her heroine irresistible” - Dominic Sandbrook Read more
the spectator
“Well written and researched… a gripping tale” - Anne de Courcy Read more
tls
“[An] empathetic perspective, combined with rigorous scholarship, to reveal Chudleigh in her full glory… [an] excellent book… The book’s sprightly, wry tone is a pleasure to read throughout. By the end… I was in awe of Ostler’s thoughtful portraiture, both of Elizabeth Chudleigh and her century” - Ophelia Field Read more
the mail on sunday
“'The Duchess Countess played the role of tragic heroine to perfection… Talk about chutzpah'“ - Kathryn Hughes
bbc history
“In this sparkling gallivant through the 18th century, Catherine Ostler has done justice to a remarkable life… Ostler has her finger firmly on the pulse of the Georgian aristocracy, and has bracingly revived its extravagance and absurdity… Elizabeth could be just the heroine we need right now“ - Emily Brand
evening standard
“Ostler paints a glittering picture of London in the reign of George II… brilliant on the details of her decadence… terrifically entertaining: if you liked Bridgerton, you’ll love this. … The story romps along with great style and gusto, and [Ostler’s] research is impeccable” - Marcus Field Read more
the telegraph
“Ostler is very good at conjuring up the 18th century “in all its elegance and acidity”…“ - Roger Lewis
tATLER
“Makes for thrilling reading“ - Rebecca Cope Read more