Nell Gwynne: A Passionate Life - Graham Hopkins

Nell Gwynne - the archetypal tart-with-a-heart-lived the classic rags-to-riches story: the poor woman who fell in love with a King. Nelly - as she was known - also stole the heart of the nation and has held the affection of generations since. A star of the stage - an accomplished and much loved comedienne - she caught the eye of King Charles II, becoming one of his mistresses and bearing two of his four children. Their relationship lasted over 16 years and only ended with his death in 1685. This highly entertaining and readable book is the most authoritative biography written to date. The author's extensive research has uncovered new evidence and provides a wealth of detail offering an intriguing insight into the domestic life of Nell. It is a hugely enjoyable, witty and uplifting account of a fascinating woman from a remarkable time. From the Author'Scholarly and readable...I commend it' - Duke of St AlbansIt's been said that while many distinguished people in history have been completely forgotten the whole world knows Nell Gwynne. Indeed, this fascinating woman from a remarkable time has become one of our best loved icons. The poor, illiterate Nelly - as she was known - became the leading comedy actress of her day and then fell in love with Charles II, one of our most popular monarchs, remaining his mistress for over 17 years until his death. Both had the common touch: he found it and she never lost it.A classic rags-to-riches story of the archetypal tart-with-a-heart and the king whom she loved dearly as a man, while the other mistresses clearly kept one eye on his crown. Her story is romance itself. This book tells that story. It tries to explain why the world knows Nell Gwynne.Graham Hopkins was born in Coventry in 1962. He has a BA (Hons) in History and has been a lifelong admirer of Nelly. He has had three social care-related books published since 1998, having worked as a Head of Inspection at a London Social Services Department. He has reviewed books for The Independent and written for The Guardian. This is his first biography. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.