Georgiana

Duchess of Devonshire

by Amanda Foreman

Random House, 454 pp., $29.95

Foremost in fashion, influential in politics, well-educated, cultured — there seemed little the inordinately popular and beautiful Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, Diana Spencer’s great-great-great-great aunt, could not do — except maintain the interest of her husband. In 1774, when Georgiana was betrothed to William Cavendish, fifth Duke of Devonshire, at the age of 16, the marriage joined two of the richest families in all of England. Unfortunately, his affection for her was by no means equal to his wealth. Dutiful and pliant at first, the neglected young duchess soon began to vigorously orbit London’s chic society, indulging in all of its available (and considerable) vices. It helps that, although Foreman is fond of her subject, she has no desire to depict her as a hapless victim or misunderstood saint. Georgiana is allowed the dignity of her own agency, all the more amazing when you consider that her marriage and love life (yes, there’s a brilliant lover, an illegitimate child, and an exile from her family and home) is the stuff of the most pedestrian romance novel.

This article appears in July 14 • 2000.

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