Emma Hamilton: Seduction and Celebrity

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'a glorious reminder of [Emma Hamilton's] rise and fall' - The Guardian

A beautiful book offering an excellent introduction to the life and loves of a singular woman - Emma Hamilton

Born into poverty in 1765, Emma Hamilton’s talent and beauty brought her fame while still in her teens as muse to the great portrait artist George Romney. In her twenties, she achieved still greater artistic prominence in Naples, where, as the confidante of Queen Maria Carolina, she also came to wield considerable political power. Emma embarked on a passionate affair with Admiral Lord Nelson. Her fortunes never recovered from the tragedy of his death at Trafalgar and – following a period in debtor’s prison – she died in self-imposed exile in Calais in 1815.

This beautiful book is a thoroughly enjoyable read.  It features superb illustrations, fast reading, and an excellent introduction to the life and loves of a singular woman. Quinton Colville’s introductory essay, “Re-imagining Emma Hamilton,” gives an excellent overview of the mythology and reality surrounding this woman. In addition, there are informative articles exploring amongst other things, Emma's role as Romney's muse; her time in Naples;  fashionable women and theatre in Georgian London and Emma's sad last years. A special treat at the end of this fascinating book is biographer Kate Williams’ take on “Emma Hamilton In Fiction And Film.” 

Read Museum Bookstore customer, Alec Stephen's review of the book

Take a look at Number One London's review of the publication.

Details
  • Author: Quintin Colville, Curator of Naval History at the National Maritime Museum, London.
  • Hardcover: 288 pages| 225 illustrations
  • Date published: November 2016
  • Language: English
  • ISBN: 978-0500252208

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