
audiobook
by Mrs. A. T. Thomson, Philip Wharton
THE - WITS AND BEAUX OF SOCIETY - BY - GRACE AND PHILIP WHARTON
EDITED BY - JUSTIN HUNTLY MCCARTHY, M. P.
And the original illustrations by - H. K. BROWNE AND JAMES GODWIN
TWO VOLS.—VOL. II. 1890
CONTENTS VOL. II.
HORACE WALPOLE.
GEORGE SELWYN.
RICHARD BRINSLEY SHERIDAN.
BEAU BRUMMELL.
THEODORE EDWARD HOOK.
A lively compilation of anecdotes and sketches, this volume gathers the sparkling wit of Britain’s most celebrated society figures. Illustrated with period drawings, the book invites listeners into the salons, clubs, and drawing‑rooms where clever repartee reigned supreme. It captures the humor and humanity of an era that prized conversation as much as title.
Among the portraits are Horace Walpole, whose youthful escapades and political squabbles reveal a man both cultured and restless, and George Selwyn, a parliamentarian whose love of hazards and sharp tongue made him a legend of the House. The narrative also follows the theatrical brilliance of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, from his early literary ambitions to his flamboyant stage triumphs, and the impeccably dressed Beau Brummell, whose devotion to fashion set standards that still echo today. Their stories are threaded with witty exchanges, eccentric habits, and the occasional scandal.
Listening feels like stepping into a genteel drawing‑room, where each tale is a polished gem of humor and insight. The collection balances scholarly detail with a breezy tone, making the personalities of the past both accessible and entertaining. It’s an ideal companion for anyone who enjoys history served with a generous side of clever banter.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (543K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Antje Benter, Sandra Brown and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
Release date
Jan 1, 2004
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1797–1862
A busy and versatile 19th-century English writer, she published both novels and lively works of popular history. She also wrote under the name Grace Wharton, bringing a readable, story-driven style to the past.
View all books1834–1860
Best known by the pen name Philip Wharton, this young Victorian writer helped turn the gossip, glamour, and personalities of earlier high society into lively popular history. Though he died at just twenty-six, his books continued to be read and reprinted long afterward.
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