Author: TAYLOR (Miss Elizabeth):
Title: Authentic Memoirs of Mrs Clarke, in which is pourtrayed the Secret History of Intrigues of Many Characters in the First Circles of Fashion and High Life. And containing the whole of Her Correspondence, During the Time she live under the Protection of His Royal Highness The Duke of York, The gallant Duke's Love Letters, And other interesting Papers Never Before Published.
Description: London: Printed for Thomas Tegg..., 1809. FIRST EDITION. 12mo, 163 x 97 ms., pp. [iv], 212, including half-title, engraved coloured frontispiece, contemporary half calf, marble boards, gilt spine, black leather label; front joint slightly cracked, other slight wear to binding. "Mrs. Clarke" was, of course, Mary Anne Clarke (born Mary Anne Thompson, 1776 - 1852). She left her husband, a stonemason, when he went bankrupt, and came to the notice of Frederick Duke of York, becoming his mistress in 1803. Wikipedia reports, "Taking her as his mistress, he set her up in a fashionable residence in Gloucester Place in Marylebone.[3] However, he failed to supply the funds necessary to support their lavish lifestyle.[1] In 1809, a national scandal arose when Clarke testified before the House of Commons that she had sold army commissions with the Duke of York's knowledge." She was prosecuted for libel in 1813 and spent nine months in jail. She lived for a while in Loughton Lodge, Loughton, Essex, and a blue plaque commerates her residence there. She was much mocked and satarized during her time with the Duke of York, and Isaac Cruikshank made several caricatures of her,.

Keywords: