The Wits and Beaux of Society. Volume 2

audiobook

The Wits and Beaux of Society. Volume 2

by Mrs. A. T. Thomson, Philip Wharton

EN·~9 hours

Chapters

Description

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.

Details

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

2004-01-01

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the authors

MA

Mrs. A. T. Thomson

1797–1862

A prolific Victorian writer who moved easily between historical fiction, biography, and lively books about society. Publishing as Mrs. A. T. Thomson and also as Grace Wharton, she helped bring British history and high society to a wide popular audience.

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PW

Philip Wharton

1834–1860

A short-lived Victorian writer, he is chiefly remembered for lively society books published with his mother under the shared pen name Grace and Philip Wharton. His work helped turn sketches of famous women and fashionable figures into popular reading for a wide audience.

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