Favourite

About this book

"Sarah Churchill, first Duchess of Marlborough, was the glamorous and controversial subject of hundreds of satires, newspaper articles and publications both during her lifetime and after her death. 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, including Sarah's own cousin Abigail Masham. Spectacular arguments with the Queen, with the architects and workmen at Blenheim Palace, and with her own family made Sarah infamous 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. Politically, Sarah was most influential through her husband, one of England's greatest generals, and their mutual friend, the Treasurer Sidney Godolphin. After their deaths, she remained independently powerful thanks to the immense wealth she controlled as the founder of several dynasties, including the Spencer-Churchills. Sarah was a compulsive and compelling writer, narrating the major events of her day with herself often centre-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."--Provided by publisher.