The Scandal of the Season - by Sophie Gee (Paperback)

About the Book

Sexy and audacious, this irresistible debut novel reconstructs the real-life scandal that inspired Alexander Pope's famous and bestselling poem, "The Rape of the Lock."

Book Synopsis

London, 1711. As the rich, young offspring of the city's most fashionable families Þll their days with masquerade balls and clandestine court-ships, Arabella Fermor and Robert, Lord Petre, lead the pursuit of pleasure. Beautiful and vain, Arabella is a clever coquette with a large circle of beaus. Lord Petre, seventh Baron of Ingatestone, is a man-about-town with his choice of mistresses. Drawn together by an overpowering attraction, the two begin an illicit affair.

Alexander Pope, sickly and nearly penniless, is peripheral by birth, yet his uncommon wit and ambition gain him unlikely entrance into high society. Once there, privy to every nuance and drama, he is a ruthless observer. He longs for the success that will cement his place in society; all he needs is one poem grand enough to make his reputation.

As the forbidden passion between Arabella and Lord Petre deepens, an intrigue of a darker nature threatens to overtake them. Fortunes change and reputations -- even lives -- are imperiled. In the aftermath, Pope discovers the idea for a daring poem that will catapult him to fame and fortune.

Review Quotes

"A seduction reminiscent of Dangerous Liaisons, with the crackling historical mystery of An Instance of the Fingerpost. The Scandal of the Season captures the breezy poetic romance of Shakespeare in Love, recast to star Alexander Pope."
-- Ian Caldwell, author of The Rule of Four

"Sophie Gee's dazzling, sophisticated novel is a clever re-imagining of Alexander Pope's famous poem and a wildly entertaining tale in its own right. The romance and adventure of The Scandal of the Season will seduce readers from the first page."
-- Amanda Foreman, author of Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire

"With passion and flair, The Scandal of the Season animates an intriguing period of literary history, fleshed out in fluid, intricate, and seductive writing. Every reader will enjoy the wit and subtlety in the novel's dangerous, delicate balance of eighteenth-century customs and transgressions. What a first impression! Sophie Gee's debut novel signals her unique expertise and a great career ahead."
-- Matthew Pearl, author of The Dante Club and The Poe Shadow