 |  | | | Hester Thrale | 28 Oct 2008 | | |
18th century diarist and close friend of Dr Johnson
Hester Thrale was one of the first female historians, whose wit and vivacity attracted some of the great minds of the day to her infamous soirees. She was the sparing partner, and most intimate confidante, of Dr Johnson and there was much speculation in the press about the nature of their relationship. It was thought they would marry when her first husband died, but she scandalised society by marrying her children’s Italian music teacher instead. Hester Thrale kept extraordinarily detailed diaries about her daily life which provide fascinating insight into Georgian society. Sheila talks to the biographer Ian McIntyre about his latest book on Hester Thrale’s life, loves and works.
Hester. The Remarkable Life of Dr Johnson’s ‘Dear Mistress’, by Ian McIntyre, is published by Constable, ISBN 978-1-84529-449-6
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