There is clearly not enough source material to make a decent biographical study of this enigmatic lady. This book, published in 1987, does exactly the same as that of Annibel Jenkins on the same subject. It pads itself out by quoting great swathes of Inchbald's own plays and novels in order, it seems, to attain the correct word quota. This is disappointing because somewhere in here is an absolutely fascinating woman who bucked so many 18th C trends that she deserves better treatment at the hands of her various biographers.
By common consent she was beautiful, clever, witty and successful. She was also miserly, reclusive, acid tongued on more than a few occasions and cruel.
Having read most of her work I was looking forward to a penetrative and analytical study of the woman herself. No such luck. Interesting nonetheless.
By common consent she was beautiful, clever, witty and successful. She was also miserly, reclusive, acid tongued on more than a few occasions and cruel.
Having read most of her work I was looking forward to a penetrative and analytical study of the woman herself. No such luck. Interesting nonetheless.
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