Bess of Hardwick - Mary S Lovell

This biography of the second most powerful woman in England at the time of Queen Elizabeth the First was published in 2005, and is written by Mary S Lovell. The author conducts very thorough research as she herself states in the introduction. I envy her good fortune, as not only was she granted access to the private records of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, but discovered a personal connection through her husband's family. Mary Lovell is very helpful in her introduction, explaining how in Tudor times names were often spellt many different ways, and gives examples of the different spellings of the main characters. When a new person emerges she gives the ...  Read the complete review

Bess of Hardwick: First Lady of Chatsworth by Mary S Lovell *** The Author *** Mary S Lovell was an accountant for many years before writing her first book at the age of 40. Biographies she has written include Straight on Till Morning about the aviatrix Beryl Markham, Cast No Shadow about the World War II spy Betty Pack, and the sisters who are The Mitford Girls. This biography, Bess of Hardwick: First Lady of Chatsworth, is her latest published work. Her next book is due to be a family biography called The Churchills. She lives in the New Forest area of Hampshire and is interested in horses, aviation and sailing. ...  Read the complete review