The Countless of Albany

The Countess of Albany (1886) is a biography by Vernon Lee that explores the life of Princess Louise of Stolberg-Gedern, who married Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. Despite her unhappy marriage and opposition to the First World War, Lee's work has gained increased interest and recognition as a master of literary horror.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

The Countess of Albany, a captivating biography penned by Vernon Lee, was published in 1886, coinciding with the pinnacle of her influential role as a prominent advocate of Aestheticism and a distinguished scholar of the Italian Renaissance. This remarkable work delves into the life of Princess Louise of Stolberg-Gedern, whose unfortunate marriage to Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, often overshadowed her remarkable reputation as an independent and captivating woman in her own right. Lee, known for her unwavering principles as a feminist and ardent pacifist, faced significant criticism and exclusion from the literary world due to her opposition to the First World War. However, the tireless efforts of dedicated scholars have brought about a resurgence of interest in her works, granting her the readership and recognition she truly deserves as a master of literary horror.

On the Wednesday following Easter, the bride and bridegroom entered Rome in a solemn procession, accompanied by two traveling carriages of the Prince and the Princess, each drawn by six horses. Four gala coaches, carrying the attendants of Charles Edward and his brother, the Cardinal Duke of York, followed closely behind. To ensure a clear path, four outriders dressed in scarlet with the white Stuart cockade cleared the streets.

While Louise is best remembered for her spine-tingling tales of supernatural horror, it is important to acknowledge her remarkable talents as a researcher. Her profound knowledge of Italian history seamlessly blends with her literary gift in The Countess of Albany. Through this biography, Lee offers a captivating portrayal of Louise, a German princess who married Charles Edward Stuart, the Jacobite claimant to the English throne. By the time of their encounter, Bonnie Prince Charlie had reached the twilight years of his life, having endured years of exile and hardship following the unsuccessful uprising of 1745. Lee's focus on Louise's indomitable spirit and her close relationship with Count Vittorio Alfieri of Italy provides invaluable insights into the life of a woman who defied societal expectations and pursued her own path.

The Countess of Albany serves as a testament to Lee's enduring legacy as a writer and a champion of women's rights. Her unwavering dedication to her beliefs and her refusal to conform to societal norms have left an indelible mark on the literary world, ensuring that her works continue to captivate and inspire readers for generations to come.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513135564