Read My Heart: A Love Story in England's Age of Revolution

by Jane Dunn

Book Overview

From the bestselling author of 'Elizabeth and Mary', the remarkable love story of Dorothy Osborne and Sir William Temple, set against the turbulence and romance of 17th-century England. Sir William... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400042836
• ISBN13: 9781400042838
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group
• Length: 413 Pages
• Weight: 1.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

In Depth Historical Love Affair!

I'm enjoying this book. I had not realized Britain was in such turmoil in the 1600s; civil war, political intrigue, and to top it all off a wonderful and enduring love affair! Though you should love reading history before picking this book up. Otherwise, enjoy!

Love Letters Tell a Broader Story than Just Love

During the English Civil war, Dorothy Osborne and Sir William Temple conducted their courtship via letter; their families on opposite sides of the of the conflict. Many of Dorthy's letters had been saved by Temple, enough so that he had "enough to load a horse", but over the years, many were lost. Several of Temple's Victorian biographers used some of the surviving letters, creating at the time an interest in her, and the romance they had. A couple of collections of her letters, 77 in all, were published, but faded into obscurity over the years. Dunn's husband, a used bookstore aficionado, found a copy, and Dunn rediscovered the story. "Read My Heart" is a biography of both Temple and Osborne, and through their own writings, a history of England at a rapidly changing time. Osborne's letters show that far from being a appendage to her husband's public and private life, was a highly intelligent woman, respected by Temple, and highly observant of the world around her. This is a true romance story, holding true over 300 years. Dunn has included a great deal of additional research into Temple, his diplomatic journeys, and eventual retirement. Dunn made this history highly readable, informative and engaging.