First published in 1932, this is the story of eighteenth century Bath, where Beau Nash ruled as uncrowned king for so many years, the fashionable members of English society found a splendid justification for improving their health and enjoying themselves at the same time. They took the waters assiduously, gambled excessively, and danced away the evenings at cotillion balls.

This book, written with all the skill and visionary commitment of an established poet, recreates the atmosphere of Bath's famous century superbly, and faithfully mirrors several of the well-known personalities who graced the period with their wit, their talent and their eccentricity.

"Vivid and invigorating." -The New York Times

Autorentext

Edith Sitwell (1887-1964) was born into an aristocratic family and, along with her brothers, Osbert and Sacheverell, had a significant impact on the artistic life of the 20s. She encountered the work of the French symbolists, Rimbaud in particular, early in her writing life and became a champion of the modernist movement, editing six editions of the controversial magazine Wheels. She remained a crusading force against philistinism and conservatism throughout her life and her legacy lies as much in her unstinting support of other artists as it does in her own poetry.

Inhalt

I The Arrival of Beau Nash
II The Rise to Fortune
III The Rules of Bath
IV The Ghosts of a hong Summer Day
V The Balls at Bath
VI The Games of Hazard
VII The Religious Revival in Bath
VIII Splendours and Miseries
IX The Old Age of Beau Nash
X Ralph Allen and Prior Park
XI Fashionable Intelligence
XII Society in Bath
XIII The Theatre in Bush
XIV Some Men of War
XV The Stables and Pavilions of Prior Park
XVI Some Men of War
XVII The Bath Address-Book

A Note on the Author