The bestselling author of Slammerkin vividly brings to life the Beau Monde of late eighteenth-century England, turning the private drama of three celebrated Londoners into a robust, full-bodied portrait of a world on the brink of revolution. In a time of looming war, of glittering spectacle and financial disasters, the wealthy liberals of the Whig Party work to topple a tyrannical prime minister and a lunatic king. Marriages and friendships stretch or break; political liaisons prove as dangerous as erotic ones; and everyone wears a mask. Will Eliza Farren, England's leading comedic actress, gain entry to that elite circle that calls itself the World? Can Lord Derby, the inventor of the horse race that bears his name, endure public mockery of his long, unconsummated courtship of the actress? Will Anne Damer, a sculptor and rumored Sapphist, be the cause of Eliza's fall from grace? This is a remakable novel in the tradition of the very best historical fiction. (B10)2004 STATED FIRST EDITION, red HARDCOVER w/leather texture, black spine and gold gilt titling is in perfect condition. DJ shiny and nice w/retail price noted, not a remainder. Big, wonderful, historical novel, you'll love this one. International buyers please contact me before purchasing. Ships next business day from the Midwest US in protective packaging from non smoking environment. Each item individually inspected. Please contact us for a link to our Amazon storefront to see all of our fabulous inventory!