A triumph: not only a richly sympathetic portrait of a fascinating aristocratic woman, but also a revealing window into a whole scandal-riven world in which the political and the personal were inextricably entwined. Meticulously researched, unfailingly humane in its judgements, and sprinkled throughout with lovely touches of humour and colour, The Countess is in its range of characters and drama a wonderfully compelling read -- David Kynaston, author of Tales of a New Jerusalem A lively and informative book about Emily Cowper, whose interesting life certainly justifies a biography -- Miranda Seymour, author of I Used to Live Here Once With a political career spanning sixty years, Emily Cowper helped to shape the nineteenth century. In The Countess Jehanne Wake and Katie Wake bring this important woman to life, shining a light on the political agency achieved by some women in an age where they had few legal rights. Vividly and clearly told, this is essential reading, illuminating not just the life of this powerful figure, but also a career that was almost unprecedented. -- Elizabeth Norton, author of Women Who Ruled The World Jehanne and Katie Wake illuminate British high society from the Regency to the middle decades of Victoria's reign in this excellent and insightful biography of one its brightest stars, Emily Cowper. The story of her life - forgotten for far too long - is vividly and entertainingly told -- Rory Muir, author of Love and Marriage in the Age of Jane Austen An extraordinary and immersive book. Not only is this a majestic account of one of the decisive women in English history, it's a thrill ride through the parlours and streets of nineteenth-century London. The Wakes' writing shimmers, so that we can almost touch these people's silks, inhale their perfumes, laugh with their triumphs, weep with their losses. And by exposing a vast archive of personal letters, they let us hear their voices, with all their hopes and anxieties, in full surround-sound. Emily Lamb's life is one of history's great untold stories, and this book reframes everything from the Napoleonic Wars to the Emancipation Proclamation. A marvellous achievement, and a knockout read. -- Peter Jones, author of Self-Help From the Middle Ages
