Eighteenth century poet, fallen woman and society wit
The eighteenth century Irish poet Laetitia Pilkington was admired by Jonathan Swift, though he called her "the most profligate whore in either kingdom". She was divorced by her wayward husband when he found another man in her bedroom and went on to live a life marred by scandal. However, she carved out a career as a writer producing her infamous memoirs, which colourfully captured the age and its leading figures. Jenni talks to Professor Norma Clarke about her new biography of Laetitia Pilkington
'Queen of the Wits: A Life of Laeticia Pilkington' by Norma Clarke is published by Faber and Faber, ISBN: 978-0-571-22428-9.
