All the King's Women

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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.