Penelope Hunting Livres

Westminster Abbey is a Gothic monastery church in London that is the traditional place of coronation and burial for English monarchs. Neither a cathedral nor a parish church, Westminster Abbey is a place of worship owned by the royal family. Located next to the Houses of Parliament in the heart of London, Westminster Abbey is a must-see for any London visitor. With its oldest parts dating to the year 1050, the Abbey contains some of the most glorious medieval architecture in London. Because of its royal connections, it was spared King Henry VIII's general assault on monastic buildings during the Reformation. The interior is a veritable museum of English history. Among many highlights are the medieval coronation throne; Poet's Corner with its memorials to William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and other giants of literature; and the tombs of Queen Elizabeth I, "Bloody" Queen Mary, explorer David Livingstone and naturalist Charles Darwin.

The book delves into the dynamic relationship between Cardinal Newman and George Dudley Ryder, highlighting Ryder's significant historical impact. It addresses pivotal issues of their time, such as Catholic education, clerical celibacy, the Oxford Movement, and Tractarianism, providing a comprehensive view of the socio-religious landscape they navigated. Through this exploration, the work sheds light on both figures' contributions to religious thought and the broader historical context of 19th-century England.

Mary Beale (1633-1699) was one of the earliest professional women artists in Britain. Her successful career was documented by her husband, Charles, whose almanacks provide a unique record of Mary's patrons, painting technique and family affairs. Her portraits of politicians, clergy, aristocracy and intellectuals reflect the vibrant literary, scientific and political scene of the seventeenth century. She has been seen as a feminist icon not only as a professional artist but also as a poet and the author of a Discourse on Friendship (1667) which argued for the equality of husband and wife in marriage - a radical concept at that time. This new edition includes newly documented paintings by Mary Beale that have come to light since the first edition was published in 2019.