Review of ‘The Earls and Dukes of Devonshire’, by Julie Bunting
The following information was transcribed from the book's back cover
by Rosemary Lockie.
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THE EARLS AND DUKES OF DEVONSHIRE
by Julie Bunting
ISBN 1-874754-70-5 (1999)
The Devonshire title has now been handed down through fourteen generations
of the House of Cavendish, firstly to Earls and then to Dukes.
The shrewd talents of their ancestress, Bess of Hardwick, are an equally
important part of their inheritance and have often been called upon in full
measure, especially in recent, literally taxing times.
For more than four centuries, Cavendishes have remained close to national
events, the Devonshire dukedom being one of their early rewards. In private
they have awarded themselves rather more passing pleasures: gambling,
drinking, collecting, spending - and love. Their paramours, countesses and
duchesses have themselves shaped the course of events on occasion, sharing
in scandals and schemings, financial turbulence and, ultimately, rescue. |
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Such stories are revealed behind these portraits of men of their times, a
few of whom have squandered much of their once massive birthright but the
majority intent on keeping it secure for the future. It is that streak of
determination which has saved their magnificent family seat, Chatsworth, to
become one of the nation's greatest treasures.
The Earls and Dukes of Devonshire is illustrated with full colour portraits
of each Earl and Duke of Devonshire, and is published in the Derbyshire Heritage
Series, by Happy Walking International Ltd.
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