A story of the author who was brought up in South London by violent and abusive parents, and knew only cruelty, neglect, starvation and squalor. It tells that he searched dustbins for food and slept rough when he couldn't face going home. It presents a harrowing account of a shattered childhood.

These are elite women, all connected to country houses or from noble families throughout the UK, and this book explores to what extent privilege gave them the opportunity to choose the life they wanted, thus guiding the reader to challenge their own beliefs about elite women throughout history.

A definitive examination of manic depression.

In a fascinating journey of rediscovery, Max Adams brings to life the forgotten experiences - and voices - of some of the most extraordinary women in history.