NELL GWYN

`Charles Beauclerk brings to this book on his ancestress a rich and deep knowledge of the period conveyed in warm, unstuffy and amusing style Daily Mail Succeeds in capturing Nell Gwyn s vivacity, originality and essential sweetness - The Guardian Beauclerk tells Nell s story with obvious relish... a biography that feels like a good long gossip - The Mail on Sunday `Revealing and entertaining. The Literary Review Beauclerk paints a lively and detailed picture of Restoration London... very enjoyable. - The Independent Mr. Beauclerk writes of a time when, if it was good to be a king, it was good to be his mistress too. He does not fashionably cut his characters down to modem size-and is himself directly descended from the union of Charles II and Nell Gwyn, of which he writes with such humor, spirit, and erudition. - FAY WELDON Shining beauty and dazzling wit brought orange-seller Nell Gwyn to the attention of Charles II. For seventeen years, as lovers and loyal friends, the two shared the pleasures of the bed and the play, of falconry, fishing, and walking in the woods at night. Charles Beauclerk has the blood of Nell and Charles in his veins, and, through his easy, erudite pen, Restoration England comes alive. A book to be savored, slowly. - GILLIAN GILL, AUTHOR OF NIGHTINGALES