The Good Sharps

Grant, Hester

£10.99

The story of an 18th-century family and their extraordinary achievements. Four brothers, three sisters. From a genteel, religious childhood in the north-east of England, the family would become known in London and across the country as ‘The Good Sharps’. In 1781, the celebrated painter Johan Zoffany made the final strokes on the luminous portrait that attested to their rise, and to their remarkable unity and passion for life. Ambitious, free-thinking and courageous, the Sharps were pioneers in the major movements that defined the 18th century – from politics and philanthropy to medicine and industry. In this vivid, moving biography, Hester Grant charts the siblings’ shared journey to prominence, and explores the values and enduring bonds that inspired their success.

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Publish Date: 19/08/2021
ISBN: 9781784707224 Category:

Description

The enthralling story of an eighteenth-century family and their extraordinary achievements.

Four brothers, three sisters. Brought up in a Northumberland rectory and in the close of Durham Cathedral, the Sharps would achieve exalted positions at the heart of British society. In 1781, the celebrated painter Johan Zoffany put the final brush strokes on the luminous portrait that immortalised the siblings’ rise, and their remarkable unity and passion for life.

Ambitious, free-thinking and courageous, the Sharps were pioneers in the major movements that defined the eighteenth century – from political reform and philanthropy to medicine and industry. John, an eminent priest, established a model welfare state at Bamburgh Castle and commissioned the world’s first lifeboat; William became surgeon to George III; while James was a visionary inventor, canal promoter and engineer. Most famously of all, Granville, the youngest son, battled tirelessly as Britain’s first great campaigner for the abolition of the slave trade. Despite the social strictures of their day, Elizabeth, Judith and Frances claimed significant independence, and played key roles in hosting the Sharps’ famous musical parties on barges on the Thames.

In this vivid, moving biography, Hester Grant charts the siblings’ shared journey to prominence, and explores the values and enduring bonds that inspired their success. The Good Sharps brings to life not just these men and women who realised that the future could be different, but also the new world they created.

Additional information

Weight 331 g
Dimensions 198 × 129 × 26 mm
Author

Publisher

Imprint

Cover

Paperback

Pages

320

Language

English

Edition
Dewey

941.0730922 (edition:23)

Readership

General – Trade / Code: K