Graces The Untold Lives of Women at the Restoration Court

This is a new book. Condition: Brand New.

'Impressively original and ingenious' OPHELIA FIELD, author of The Favourite
'Gripping' GARETH RUSSELL, author of Queen James
'Illuminating' ALICE HUNT, THE TIMES
'Refreshing, immersive and compelling' CLARE JACKSON, author of The Mirror of Great Britain

A spellbinding work of history that uncovers the inner lives and work of Maria of Modena and her 'graces', the extraordinary women who practiced art, poetry and politics within the misogyny of the Restoration court.

In 1673, fifteen-year-old Maria d'Este travelled from Italy to marry James, the future King of England, who was twenty-five years her senior. At the debauched Restoration court, Maria recreated the world she'd left behind - one in which women were highly educated, exercised power and celebrated art and artists with concentrated patronage.

From Sarah Churchill, keen politician and 'favourite' of Queen Anne, to revered poet Anne Finch and founder of a legendary literary salon Hortense Mancini, the women Maria surrounded herself with defied the conventions of their time. The Graces resurrects their lives, shedding light on a hidden world of female friendship, education and artistic endeavour.

Book details and technical specifications

Format: Paperback / softback
ISBN13: 9781526663764
Published: April 2026

Number of pages: 352
Width: 128 mm
Height: 196 mm
Depth: 26 mm

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC