Mrs Jordans Profession

by Claire Tomalin

Book Overview

On the London stage ill the late eighteenth century, Dora Jordan was a star, probably the greatest comic actress the British theatre has ever known. Seductive and vivacious. as delightful off-stage as... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140159231
• ISBN13: 9780140159233
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Penguin UK
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.1" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Portrait of an actress and a woman

Dorothy Jordan has claimed her part in history in two ways: her talent as a stage actress and her connection with Prince William, the future king of England. Looking back, it is hard to say which gave her higher notoriety, or which lead to her fame. This is a sympathetic but realistic portrayal of this very interesting woman. She is presented as a real person as opposed to a legend, with the shortcomings and endearing qualities of a real individual. The character comes through as being ahead of her time, a financially independent, talented, ambitious, yet compassionate, loyal and honest woman who loved her children, and the men in her life. For those who want to find out more about Mrs Jordan, this book is for you.

The other side of the story, William IV's loss.

I loved this story. I have been reading books on the Hanoverian dynasty in Britain. This book is one of the few that gives the other side of the story of the Duke of Clarence (William IV). It is also the only book that gives us a little insight into the 10 Fitzclarences (William's children by Dora). William would have been a happy father and husband to Dora if it was for the fact his 2 older brothers would have produced an heir, but once the Princess of Whales died in childbirth, royal duty kicked in and William had to marry and follow the rules, (i.e. Acts of Parliament). Dora was a strong woman and survived hard times in the spot light. I would say leaving here was King William's greatest folly. In my opinion, a love like that would be worth much more than a crown. He had brothers with heirs that could carry on the dynasty (and ultimately did, Duke of Kent's Victoria). Any student of Georgian Britain or the Hanoverian Dynasty, should read this book.

Dorothy Jordan, the real woman

Dorothy Jordan has claimed her part in history in two ways: her talent as a stage actress and her connection with Prince William, the future king of England. Looking back, it is hard to say which gave her higher notoriety, or which lead to her fame. This is a sympathetic but realistic potrayal of this very interesting woman. She is presented as a real person as opposed to a legend, with the shortcomings and endearing qualities of a real individual. The character comes through as being ahead of her time, a financially independent, talented, ambitious, yet compassionate, loyal and honest woman who loved her children, and the men in her life. For those who want to find out more about Mrs Jordan, this book is for you...