David Green (2)

1310. Sarah Duchess of Marlborough, by David Green (4 Jan 1975) I wanted to read a bio of the first Duke of Marlborough, but found none on our library's shelves so instead read this biography of Sarah, his wife. By all odds the book would not be considered too good, since it abounds in quotations from Sarah's letters--rendered in all their awful early 18th century spelling--but yet I found I liked the book. She was a holy terror, and though this book is sympathetic to her I can't blame Queen Anne too much for being repelled by the duchess' campaign to regain her position as favorite. Sarah Jennings was born May 29, 1660, was secretly married to John Churchill in late 1678 or early 1679, and her husband was made Earl of Marlborough for his role in the Revolution of 1688, and he was made a duke in 1702. The fall from favor began about 1706, and one cannot say it was not partly the Duchess's fault. The Duke died June 16, 1722. The Duchess lived till Oct 18, 1744. A magnificent book and it made me want to read more re the era.… (altro)

1660 Queen Anne, by David Green (read 5 Sep 1981) I looked for this book in December 1974 but did not find it and read Green's biography of the Duchess of Marlborough instead. But now I found this and have read it. Obviously it covers much the same ground as the biography of the Duchess. Green's style is so idiomatic and quotes so much from sources that I find it really hard to follow unless one reads quite carefully. Queen Anne was born Feb 6, 1665 at St. James' Palace to James II (then duke of York) and his first wife Anne Hyde. She succeeded to the throne on William III's death on 8 Mar 1702, and died 1 Aug 1714. It is a fantastic time, and I really would like to have the time told in a more expressive idiom. I can't help but think that Queen Anne was a very ordinary woman and that any greatness she had was accidental. I would next like to read a biography of George I--[but I didn't until August 1985, when I read George I Elector and King, by Ragnhild Hatton.]… (altro)