The Imaginary Autocrat: Beau Nash And The Invention Of Bath

by John Eglin

Richard Beau Nash was the original "It boy," the self-invented, style-over-substance ruling impresario of Bath who came from humble beginnings. He is a living illustration of what can be achieved with self-confidence and self-possession, as he became the ever-present match maker, gambler, and businessman at the whirl of balls and games at Bath in the 18th century. John Eglin’s brilliant and rewarding book is concerned as much with Nash’s invention of himself as it is with the invention of Bath. He looks in rich and fascinating detail at the amusement culture of the city, the rapid physical expansion of the spa in the first part of the century, at developers, architects, and landlords, at the role which religion and medicine played in that expansion, and at Bath’s successful adaptation to rapid change. Wide-ranging, stylishly written, and peopled by remarkable characters, this book gives a wonderful insight into how people of the 18nth century lived and let their wigs down.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

292 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting: much more than a biography of Nash (which is what it looks like - but in fact not that much is known about his life). This is really a social history of 18th century Bath, full of all sorts of detail such as how the gambling worked (a bit complicated!), how the season was planned, how the property development happened, and even the effect of Methodism on the service sector. Using terms like these really helps to set the whole enterprise in context - suddenly something which seemed a bit remote comes to life when explained in these terms. Readable academic work, with lots of references, ideas for further reading, index - and some funny stories.

[Hilary · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title is totally misleading. There is very little in here about Beau Nash, however the information about Bath during its heyday in the 18th century is very interesting. The style is rather scholarly and dull.

[E A M Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent information on Bath and its famous MC.