The Lives of the Rakes

'The Lives of the Rakes : Old Rowley' is a compelling biographical study of King Charles II, exploring the life and personality of one of England’s most fascinating and controversial monarchs. This volume examines the Restoration era through the lens of its central figure, focusing on the King’s reputation as the ultimate rake and his role in reviving the cultural and social life of the nation after years of Puritan rule.Author E. Beresford Chancellor provides a detailed portrait of the Stuart court, capturing the wit, scandal, and political intrigue that defined the period. The work delves into the personal relationships and character traits that earned Charles II his famous nickname, 'Old Rowley,' while also acknowledging the complexities of his reign during a time of significant national transformation. By emphasizing the King’s influence on the arts, fashion, and social mores, this book serves as a vivid window into the heart of seventeenth-century Britain. Readers will find a historical narrative that balances personal anecdote with broader political context, making it an essential resource for those interested in the history of the British monarchy and the colorful personalities of the Restoration period.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.