Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire [UNABRIDGED CD] (Audiobook)

A best-seller and winner of the prestigious Whitbread Prize, Amanda Foreman's wonderfully readable biography paints a rollicking portrait of late 18th century British aristocracy and of its undisputed leader, Lady Georgiana Spencer. An ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales, and close friend of Marie Antoinette, Georgiana was beloved by the commoners, yet as influential as the elected leaders of her day. In 1774, 17-year-old Georgiana marries one of England's richest aristocrats, the Duke of Devonshire. She quickly becomes the queen of fashionable society and uses her connections to sway political opinions. But her public success conceals a life of uncontrolled gambling and drinking, numerous love affairs, and an uneasy marriage in which she shares her husband with her dearest friend. Journalist and critically acclaimed historian Amanda Foreman blends a wealth of fresh research and penetrating insight into her elegant writing style. British narrator Virginia Leishman brings out both the weaknesses and strengths of the flamboyant and astonishingly contemporary Georgiana.