The Scandal of the Century

Aphra Behn, the author of "Rival Queens: The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots," is the subject of Lisa Hilton's new book, "The Scandal of the Century." It is a sweeping, original exploration of Behn's life as a writer, spy, power player, and lover. The book showcases her skill for historical and detective work and compelling, evocative writing. It offers a fresh perspective on the origins of one of England's most celebrated playwrights and reveals the story of two rebellious and ruthless women who broke free against the backdrop of seventeenth-century England.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2024
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

A sweeping, scintillatingly original, exciting exploration of writer, spy, power player, and lover Aphra Behn, Kate Williams, historian, and author of Rival Queens: The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots. Hilton showcases her skill for both historical and detective work and compelling, evocative writing. A sparkling and eye-opening account, compelling to read and refreshingly transparent. Her fresh ideas could open up exciting paths for future scholars.

BBC History Magazine

A CLANDESTINE AFFAIR

‘Whereas the Lady Henrietta Berkeley has been absent from her Father's house since the 20th August last past…

AN OUTRAGEOUS ELOPEMENT

… and is not yet known where she is, nor whether she is alive or dead.

STOLEN LETTERS, SCHEMING SERVANTS

These are to give notice That whoever shall find her, so that she may be brought back to her Father, the Earl of Berkeley, they shall have 200 Pounds Reward

SEX. SENSATION. CELEBRITY.

This is The Scandal of the Century – and the true story of the author Aphra Behn, who used a shocking love affair to create the first English novel.

In 1682, a young woman in the throes of a passionate affair flees her parents' home in Surrey to seek a new life in London.

A scandal in its own right, but this is no ordinary young woman: Lady Henrietta Berkeley is the daughter of one of England's most powerful men, and her lover is her own sisters' husband. As news of this notorious adulteress spreads, her flight, capture, and the lawsuit that follow tear through society as the scandal of the century.

To Aphra Behn, England's first professional female writer – herself condemned as a scarlet woman of loose morals – Henrietta's trial would be more than a source of shock and intrigue: it would be a chance to reclaim her reputation and prove her worth as a writer.

As she delves into the case, Aphra uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threatens to destroy not only Henrietta's life but also the lives of those around her. She must navigate a complex network of power and politics, using her wit and intelligence to outmaneuver her opponents and uncover the truth.

Through her investigation, Aphra becomes deeply involved in the lives of the people involved in the case, including Henrietta, her lover, and her family. She develops a strong bond with Henrietta, who is a complex and fascinating character, and she begins to see the world through her eyes.

As the trial unfolds, Aphra faces numerous challenges and obstacles, including resistance from her own family and society, who view her as a traitor and a scandalous woman. She must also deal with her own personal struggles and demons, including her own complicated love life and her fear of failure.

Despite these challenges, Aphra remains determined to uncover the truth and bring justice to Henrietta and her family. She uses her writing skills to expose the lies and corruption that have led to Henrietta's trial and to advocate for her rights as a woman and a writer.

In the end, Henrietta's trial is a triumph for Aphra, who uses her skills as a writer and a detective to expose the truth and bring justice to those who have been wronged. She emerges as a hero, a champion of women's rights and a true pioneer of English literature.

Aphra Behn's The Scandal of the Century is a fascinating and compelling exploration of the life and career of a remarkable woman who used her own experiences to create a masterpiece of English literature. Through her investigation of Henrietta's trial, Aphra reveals the complex and often conflicting emotions that women experienced in the seventeenth century and challenges the stereotypes and expectations that were imposed on them.

The novel is also a powerful exploration of the power of storytelling and the role that literature can play in shaping public opinion and challenging the dominant narratives of society. Aphra uses her writing to expose the lies and corruption that have led to Henrietta's trial and to advocate for her rights as a woman and a writer.

The Scandal of the Century is a testament to Aphra Behn's talent as a writer and her commitment to social justice and equality. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of women's literature, the history of seventeenth-century England, or the power of storytelling to change the world.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 223 x 146 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781405953320