The image of Charles II as a randy monarch who dragged the crown through the moral mire and irredeemably weakened its position has persisted throughout the three centuries. However argues Derek Wilson argues, while the Restoration court set an example cynical libertinism, Charles' bedroom antics are symptoms and rather than causes of social decadence. In a society that was shaken loose by violent conflict, the role of women changed radically and Charles enjoyed the company of strong women—the leach-like Lady Castlemaine; 'dearest Fubs' Keroualle; the outrageous Nell Gwynn; his domineering mother; his 'pushy' nurse, Christabella Wyndham; his much-loved sisters; his only great love, Lucy Walter; his long-suffering wife, Catherine of Braganza. It is this remarkable miscellany of relationships that Derek Wilsonexplores to reveal Charles II's character, the course of political events and the fate of the dynasty.
Author
Derek Wilson has been a writer of historical fiction and non-fiction for 50 years. His much acclaimed prize-winning works have largely centred on 16th and 17th century Europe. He has used various pen names for his fiction, his current Thomas Treviot Tudor crime series being written under the name D.K. Wilson. The first 2 books in this series - The First Horseman and The Traitor's Mark are based on real unsolved Tudor mysteries and have received enthusiastic plaudits. Readers have favourably compared this innovative series with the books of C.J. Sansom and S.J. Parris. Recent non-fiction triumphs include The Plantagenets, Holbein: Portrait of an Unknown Man, and Charlemagne: a Biography. Derek Wilson graduated from Cambridge and spent several years travelling and teaching in Africa before becoming a full-time writer and broadcaster in 1971. He has frequently written and appeared on radio and television and is popular as a public speaker having appeared at several literary festivals,British Museum, Hampton Court Palace, The British Library and other prestigious venues.
