Wow! eBook
The Criminal Conversation of Mrs Norton
Author(s): Dr Diane Atkinson (Author)
- Publisher: Arrow
- Publication Date: 20 Jun. 2013
- Language: English
- Print length: 512 pages
- ISBN-10: 0099556480
- ISBN-13: 9780099556480
Book Description
Caroline Norton, born in 1808, was a society beauty, poet and pamphleteer. Her good looks and wit attracted many male admirers, first her husband, the Honourable George Norton, and then the Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne.
After years of simmering jealousy, George Norton accused Caroline and the Prime Minister of a ‘criminal conversation’ (adultery) resulting in a trial referred to as ‘the scandal of the century’.
Cut off and bankrupted by George Norton, she went on to become one of the most important figures in changing the law for wives and mothers.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Diane Atkinson has written the definitive account of one of the most important trials of the nineteenth century - that of Caroline Norton's fight to keep her children.
The Criminal Conversation of Mrs Norton is an important and necessary book. It also happens to be beautifully written and extremely entertaining. Diane Atkinson has resurrected a nineteenth century heroine in the twentieth-first century. ― Amanda ForemanCaroline Norton took her fight to see her children to the highest court in the land and changed the lot of mothers for ever. Diane Atkinson tells her story with a clarity and wit that makes it a pleasure to read. ―
Joan BakewellExpertly researched and finely written... Mrs Norton’s journey from abused wife to passionate reformer is as moving as it is fascinating, and Atkinson’s richly detailed work does her subject the justice she deserves. ―
BBC History MagazineDiane Atkinson’s captivating fifth book...pacy book that’s as bright and fascinating as its heroine. ―
Independent on SundayThrillingly readable biography
(5 Stars)
― Mail on Sunday
Atkinson’s meticulous research shines when she describes the impossible position of women like Caroline. ― Express
It is a brave book, written with verve and veracity. ― The Times
Poignant and inspirational this is the well-crafted story of a fascinating heroine and her fight to save her family. ― Daily Express 5/5 stars
Absorbing ― Daily Mail
