Devices and Desires

Discover the captivating life of Bess of Hardwick in Devices and Desires by Kate Hubbard, published in 2019. This definitive biography delves into the extraordinary journey of one of Elizabethan society's most influential figures. Born in 1521, Bess of Hardwick defied the norms of her time, emerging as a formidable businesswoman, money-lender, and property tycoon who lived an impressive eighty-seven years.

Explore her remarkable ascent through the social ranks and the stunning houses she constructed, which played a pivotal role in shaping British architectural history. With 400 pages of insightful narrative, Hubbard's work offers a rich historical perspective on the life of the Countess of Shrewsbury, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the nobility of Great Britain.

Uncover the legacy of a woman who transformed her world, and see why this biography is celebrated as a significant contribution to our understanding of the past.