Marguerite, Countess of Blessington

This biography of Lady Blessington (1788–1849) illuminates the literary, social, and political history of the post-Romantic, early Victorian period and examines her salon, which was attended by statesmen, writers, and artists who valued her friendship and judgment. She was a prolific author of novels, short stories, poetry, and a memoir, Conversations with Lord Byron, and she also edited influential gift annuals, Heath's Book of Beauty, and The Keepsake.

Susan Matoff

Dedication EpigraphAcknowledgementsList of IllustrationsAbbreviationsPrefaceProloguePart I: 1788-1830 Chapter 1The Transformation Chapter 2Early Married Life Chapter 3Direction Genoa Chapter 4Idling In Naples Chapter 5Friendship, Scandal and Farewell Chapter 6Paris: The End of the Beginning Chapter 7Recovery and Revolution Part II: 1831 - 1839 Chapter 8 A New Beginning in London Chapter 9Launching into Literature Chapter 10Adding an Annual Chapter 111834, The Year of Literary Lions Chapter 12Last Days in Seamore Place Chapter 13Gore House Chapter 14Confessions and Victims Chapter 15Struggling On Part III: 1840 And Later Chapter 16On the Edge of the Slope Chapter 17Fighting Back Chapter 18Still Fighting Chapter 19Sliding Down Chapter 20Finale Chapter 21After Effects Chapter 22Presumptions of Posterity Appendix IBooks by Lady Blessington Appendix IIContributions by Lady Blessington to Annuals and Periodicals Bibliography About the Author Index