Gilded butterflies: The rise and fall of the London season

by Philippa Pullar

The rise and fall of the London season. For hundred of years the aristocracy of England have come to London to go to court, where, released from their country responsibilities they have behaved in the wildest ways, dissipating their health and their fortunes.

191 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1978

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable light read covering the London (plus a bit of the French & American)season from Elizabeth I to the 1970s. The writing style reminded me of Nancy Mitford's gossipy book about Louis the XIV called The Sun King. It isn't as detailed as Nancy's book, however. Gilded Butterflies is an apt name for a book that just skims the surface of what constituted the season in London. Basically the season goes from February, when Parliament resumed session, to the summer, when everyone went back to their country estates to recuperate.In between the aristocracy drank, gambled, shopped & slept around. The author does briefly mention how the season contributed to the English Civil War in the 1600s and also how disgust at the antics of the nobility during the season led to the formation of the Whig party. Basically though, this book is just a lot of great gossip - like People magazine for decadent aristocrats. If a person didn't know anything about British history this book would be confusing. But if one does, then the juicy stories are very entertaining.