Synopses & Reviews
A brilliant new biographer presents an unforgettable portrait of Sarah Churchill, first Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744), the glamorous and controversial founder of the Spencer-Churchill dynasty that produced both Winston Churchill and Lady Diana Spencer.
Tied to Queen Anne by an intimate friendship, Sarah hoped to wield power equal to that of a government minister. When their relationship soured, she blackmailed Anne with letters revealing their intimacy, and accused her of perverting the course of national affairs by keeping lesbian favourites. Her spectacular arguments with the Queen, with the architects and workmen at Blenheim Palace, and with her own family made Sarah famous for her temper. Attacked for traits that might have been applauded in a man, Sarah was also capable of inspiring intense love and loyalty, deeply committed to her principles and to living what she believed to be a virtuous life.
Sarah was a compulsive and compelling writer, narrating the major events of her day, with herself often at center stage. This biography brings her own voice, passionate and intelligent, back to life, and casts a critical eye over images of the Duchess handed down through art, history, and literature. Here is an unforgettable portrait of a woman who cared intensely about how we would remember her.
Review
"A quite astonishing tale." The London Review of Books
Synopsis
Tied to Queen Anne by an intimate friendship, Sarah Churchill hoped to wield power equal to that of a government minister. When their relationship soured, she blackmailed Anne with letters revealing their intimacy, and accused her of perverting the course of national affairs by keeping lesbian favorites.
Sarah was most influential through her husband, one of England's greatest generals. After his death, she remained independently powerful thanks to her immense wealth and as a founder of dynasties. Attacked for traits that might have been applauded in a man, Sarah inspired intense love and loyalty, remaining deeply committed to her principles and to living what she believed to be a virtuous life. This biography brings Sarah's voice, passion, and intelligence back to life.
Synopsis
Field has penned an unforgettable portrait of Sarah Churchill, first Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744), and founder of the political dynasties that produced both Winston Churchill and Lady Diana Spencer. This biography brings Sarah's voice, passion, and intelligence back to life.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 526-540) and index.
About the Author
Ophelia Field was born in Australia and educated at Christ Church, Oxford, and the London School of Economics. She has worked as a policy analyst for a number of refugee and human rights organizations and currently lives in London and New York.