Elizabeth Montagu, the queen of the bluestockings, Volume 2 (of 2) : $b Her correspondence from 1720 to 1761

A sweeping collection of Elizabeth Montagu’s letters brings her world of salons, politics, and family life into clear focus. Spanning over four decades, the correspondence stretches from her early years in the 1720s to the height of her influence in the 1750s, revealing how she balanced literary patronage with the practical concerns of property, appointments, and friendships. Readers hear her witty exchanges with figures such as the West family, the future Pitt, and the literary circle that included Dr. Johnson and Mrs. Carter, gaining a vivid sense of the lively conversation that defined the Blue‑Stocking gatherings.

Interwoven with carefully selected illustrations—portraits, Bath‑room scenes, and sketches of famous contemporaries—the letters feel intimate yet historically rich. The editor’s notes provide helpful context without interrupting the flow, letting the listener savor Montagu’s sharp observations and warm humor. Together they offer a rare, personable window onto eighteenth‑century intellectual society, perfect for anyone curious about the people and ideas that shaped the era.