Nell Gwyn, the most infamous mistress of Charles II, was a commoner raised from the dingy back alleys of London to the stage and into a king's arms. Hers was a true rags to riches story that saw a young girl rise from selling oranges to capturing the heart of a king. The Restoration period was one of change. After the troubled years of the English Civil War, it was time for pleasure, debauchery and entertainment with the 'Merry Monarch' restored to the throne.Nell was one of the first actresses on stage; a loveable comedienne who wowed audiences with her wit and charm. She fell in love with Charles Hart (one of the leading actors of the time), had a torrid affair with Lord Buckhurst and ultimately ended up in the king's bed. She stayed on the stage for six years, but she stayed in the king's heart for seventeen - his only mistress who was faithful to him.Set against the backdrop of Restoration London, this book charts Nell's life and that of her family and friends - from her drunken mother and troublesome sister to the most notorious wits of the age John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester and George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham. Nell had a generous heart and a mischievous spirit, and was friends with people from all walks of life. The only woman she really detested was another of the king's mistresses, Louise de Kerouaille, known as the French Spy.This highly entertaining book will tell the story of Nell's life - the good and the bad - and show why Nell truly embodies the spirit of the Restoration.

Charles II's Favourite Mistress: Pretty, Witty Nell Gwyn

Biographies & Memoirs

Watkins, Sarah-Beth

Historical

Pen and Sword History

Illegitimate son to Edward IV and the uncle of Henry VIII, Arthur Plantagenet's life is an intriguing story. Raised in his father's court, he then became a trusted member of Henry VII's household and after his death, was a prominent figure at the court of Henry VIII. Henry VIII treated his uncle well in the early years of his reign, making him vice-admiral and then Lord Deputy of Calais in 1533.Arthur did the best he could in his new position in Calais over seven years, including trying to maintain a relationship with Thomas Cromwell against a background of religious change, but there were numerous complaints about him and his paranoid nephew's suspicions over his loyalty grew - culminating in Lisle's arrest and imprisonment for two years with no legal reason.Arthur was released from the Tower in 1542, yet tragically died after receiving a diamond ring from his nephew. He was so excited that his heart - that 'gentlest living heart' - failed soon after.We owe much of what we know about Henry VIII's uncle to the seizure and preservation of the Lisle Letters, an impressive collection of correspondence obtained at his arrest that has miraculously survived. Not only do they give details of Arthur's life, but they are an amazing insight into the religious, political, culture and social background of the 16th century. Placed as he was, Arthur Plantagenet's story gives a whole new, fresh perspective on a turbulent yet vibrant period of history.

Arthur Plantagenet: Henry VIII's Illegitimate Uncle

Charles II had at least twelve illegitimate children that we know of. Although his queen, Catherine of Braganza, fell pregnant several times she was not able to bear any children to full term. The king, who was known for his many mistresses, had his first recognized child out of wedlock in 1649; the child was James Croft who would become Duke of Monmouth and mastermind of an infamous rebellion. Not all of his children would gain such notoriety but they would live long and full lives creating a Stuart bloodline that descends to the present day.There was Nell Gywn's son, Charles Beauclerk, Duke of St Albans who was present at the siege of Belgrade in 1688. The French mistress, Louise de Keroualle's son, Charles Lennox, Duke of Richmond who was an early patron of cricket. Catherine Pegge's son, Charles Fitzcharles, 1st Earl of Plymouth who was a colonel in the King's Own Royal Regiment and lost his life in Tangier and Moll Davis' daughter Mary Tudor, Countess of Derwentwater who separated from her husband because she refused to be a Catholic.Not to mention Charles's offspring by Barbara Villiers, Lady Castlemaine and later Duchess of Cleveland - there was Anne who had an affair with one of her father's mistresses, Charles who succeeded to the dukedom of Cleveland, Henry who became vice-admiral of England, George who was in the secret service in Venice, Barbara who after a torrid affair with the Earl of Arran gave birth to illegitimate twins and became a nun in France and Charlotte, who became Countess of Lichfield and had eighteen children!And then there are the stories of other children like James de la Cloche and Charlotte Boyle whose births and lives are shrouded in mystery and rumor. This book will bring to life the king's many illegitimate children and tell their stories.

Charles II's Illegitimate Children: Royal Bastards

This book takes a comprehensive look at dragons, our most popular and beloved mythological creature, from a cultural and historical perspective. From Chinese Imperial dragons to the worms and wyverns of English folklore, dragons appear in myths and legends around the world and throughout history.&nbsp;Follow the evolution of the dragon from creation myths through to Medieval and Viking dragons and on to our present-day love of this mythological beast. Across the globe, dragons appear in almost every culture but their appearance, stories and meaning differ.&nbsp; We will take a tour through time and look more closely at the myths, tales and legends of different cultures.Throughout society and culture, dragons have played various roles alongside humans - as creators, enemies, treasure hoarders, and allies. They are part and parcel of the rich mythology and legends that are the backbone of any culture. They live in our imagination and our psyche. And whilst they have a long history of focusing in literature, they now also appear on our screens from treasure-hoarding dragons to cute, adorable creatures.&nbsp;&nbsp;Packed with tales from around the world and illustrations and images of dragons through time, this is an essential guide for dragon lovers everywhere.

A History of Dragons: Their Influence on Life and Culture

Politics & Social Sciences

Social Sciences

Telling Life’s Tales is a comprehensive guide to writing life stories. It helps writers and non-writers to decide what they want to tell of their lives and how they want to tell it. Giving practical advice and information, the reader will learn story structure, key elements of writing, how to plot and plan and how to check all their facts. Everyone has a tale to tell and this book will help those tales come alive. Whether you are 22 or 82, Telling Life’s Tales will help the reader to put into words their most memorable recollections.

Telling Life's Tales: A Guide to Writing Life Stories for Print and Publication

Reference

Language Study & Reference

Compass Books

The Writer's Internet is a book aimed at writers who want to get the best out of the Internet but don't know how. Written in an easy-to-read and friendly style, it demystifies the World Wide Web and makes it more accessible to writers.The Writer's Internet is the essential guide to the World Wide Web for writers and authors.

The Writer's Internet: A Creative Guide to the World Wide Web

The Lifestyle Writer is a book that explores every aspect of writing for the home and family market. From writing parenting and childcare articles to writing for the travel and technology markets, it is packed full of tips and advice for the budding writer.

The Lifestyle Writer: How to Write for the Home and Family Market

Religion & Spirituality

Katherine Knollys was Mary Boleyn's first child, born in 1524 when Mary was having an affair with King Henry VIII. Katherine spent her life unacknowledged as the king's daughter, yet she was given prime appointments at court as maid of honour to both Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard. She married Francis Knollys when she was 16 and went on to become mother to many successful men and women at court including Lettice Knollys who created a scandal when she married Sir Robert Dudley, the queen's favourite. This fascinating book studies Katherine's life and times, including her intriguing relationship with Elizabeth I.

Lady Katherine Knollys: The Unacknowledged Daughter of King Henry VIII

Community & Culture

Chronos Books

This fascinating book studies the life and times of Mary Tudor and Charles Brandon, Henry VIII's dearest sister and his closest companion. Charles rose from being Henry's childhood friend to becoming the Duke of Suffolk; a consummate courtier and diplomat. Mary was always royalty. At first married to the King of France, Mary quickly wed Charles after Louis XII's death in 1515, against her brother's wishes. Their actions could have been construed as treason yet Henry chose to spare their lives. They returned to court and despite their ongoing disagreements throughout the years, especially over the king's marriage to Anne Boleyn, the Tudor Brandons remained Henry's most loyal subjects and perhaps more importantly, his beloved family.

The Tudor Brandons: Mary And Charles - Henry VIII's Nearest & Dearest

Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese princess, married Charles II in 1662 and became the merry monarch's Restoration queen. Yet life for her was not so merry - she put up with the king's many mistresses and continuous plots to remove her from the throne. She lived through times of war, plague and fire. Catherine's marriage saw many trials and tribulations including her inability to produce an heir. Yet Charles supported his queen throughout the Restoration, remaining devoted to her no matter what. Outliving her husband, she ended up back in her home country and spent her final days as queen-regent of Portugal.

Catherine of Braganza: Charles II's Restoration Queen

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Books by Watkins, Sarah-Beth