She was the most famous woman of the Restoration. But just who was the ‘pretty, witty Nell’ described so highly by Pepys? In a glorious blend of history and tradition, Marjorie Bowen brings to life the witty, generous, and at times reckless heroine to life. With Charles II on the throne the theatres are open once more, and a chance encounter in Drury Lane begins Nelly’s stratospheric rise through society, from a lowly orange seller in the pits onto the stage where she longs to be. Charles is instantly drawn to this charming young girl, penniless, in patched clothes, but with a free wit and pretty face. He too had been despised and ignored in his youth: suffering from cold, hunger, poverty and humiliation. And so when she plucks up the courage to buy him a drink, he is enchanted by her bold vivacity. Nelly takes to the stage, garnering success as a comic actor. And when Charles comes to see one of her plays their fates are sealed. A classic tale of rags to riches, a Cinderella of British history, Nelly’s vivacity and strong mind carried her towards the palaces of a nation, where she helped to guide a King and define his rule. Born in 1885, Marjorie Bowen (pseudonym of Margaret Gabrielle Vere Campbell Long) was one of Britain’s most prolific authors of the twentieth century. Writing was more than just a hobby: her works were the primary source of financial support for her family. Between 1906 and her death in 1952, Bowen wrote over 150 books, garnering much acclaim for her popular histories and historical and gothic romances. Alongside masterful descriptions and concise, efficient prose, she deftly rendered larger-than-life subjects in the minds of her readers. To this day, aficionados of the genres covet Bowen’s work.
Author
Marjorie Bowen (pseudonym of Mrs Gabrielle Margaret V[ere] Long née Campbell), was a British author who wrote historical romances, supernatural horror stories, popular history and biography. Her total output numbers over 150 volumes with the bulk of her work under the 'Bowen' pseudonym. She also wrote under the names Joseph Shearing, George R. Preedy, John Winch, Robert Paye, and Margaret Campbell. As Joseph Shearing, she wrote several sinister gothic romances full of terror and mystery. Many of these stories were published as Berkley Medallion Books. Several of her books were adapted as films. Her books are much sought after by aficionados of gothic horror and received praise from critics. Bowen's alcoholic father left the family at an early age and was eventually found dead on a London street. After this, Bowen's prolific writings were the chief financial support for her family. She was married twice: first, from 1912-16, to a Sicilian named Zefferino Emilio Constanza, who died of tuberculosis, and then to one Arthur L. Long. Her first novel was The Viper of Milan (1906), after which she produced a steady stream of writings until the day of her death on 23rd December 1952. Her last, posthumous, novel was The Man with the Scales (1954).
