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Bess Of Hardwick

First Lady of Chatsworth
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( 3,440 ratings, 245 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Bess of Hardwick by Mary S. Lovell offers a compelling biography of one of the Elizabethan era's most formidable women, Bess of Hardwick. Through her astute marriages and business acumen, Bess rises from modest beginnings to become one of England's richest and most influential figures, showcasing her resilience in navigating the complexities of Tudor society. This engaging portrayal captures Bess's ambition and legacy in shaping her era.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by the lives of powerful women in history, as it explores the extraordinary journey of Bess, one of England’s wealthiest and most influential noblewomen. Filled with intrigue and ambition, her life reflects the complexities and opportunities of the Elizabethan era, and it will appeal to those who appreciate well-researched historical biographies.

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* A biography of one of the most remarkable women of the Tudor era - next to Queen Elizabeth the most powerful woman in England.

* Ongoing author PR activity to include media interviews, events and appearances at literary festivals * Review coverage * Submitted for trade promotions * Reading copies available

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Bess of Hardwick was one of the most remarkable women of the Tudor era. Gently-born in reduced circumstances, she was married at 15, and when she was widowed at 16, she was still a virgin. At 19, she married a man more than twice her age, Sir William Cavendish, a senior auditor in King Henry VIII's Court of Augmentations.

Responsible for seizing church properties for the crown during the Dissolution, Cavendish enriched himself in the process. During the reign of King Edward VI, Cavendish was the Treasurer to the boy king and sisters, and he and Bess moved in the highest levels of society. They had a London home and built Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. After Cavendish's death, her third husband was poisoned by his brother.

Bess' fourth marriage to the patrician George, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, Earl Marshall of England, made Bess one of the most important women at court. Her shrewd business acumen was a byword, and she was said to have 'a masculine understanding', in that age when women had little education and few legal rights. The Earl's death made her arguably the wealthiest, and thereforeβ€”next to the Queenβ€”the most powerful woman in the country.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Mary S. Lovell's biography of Bess of Hardwick is praised for vividly bringing the Tudor Age to life, providing a captivating and enjoyable account. The book is recognised as a lucidly written and impressive exploration of a shrewd and enigmatic woman, offering detailed and fascinating insights into her life.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349115894

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 August 2006

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Abacus

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 38.0mm

Width: 197.0mm

Height: 129.0mm

Weight: 480g

Pages: 576

About the Author

Mary Lovell is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. She is the author of seven previous biographies including the bestselling THE MITFORD GIRLS.

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