Description
Book Synopsis"[The book explores] how lives interconnect, how we are all creatures of our time, how rich and complex life is in this sometimes shy and reticent city. Not for a moment does our interest flag."—Alexander McCall Smith
Set in 66 Queen Street, a townhouse in Edinburgh’s New Town, this book tells the story of people and events associated with the house for 210 years from 1790 and whose lives were empowered by the Scottish Enlightenment. From the builder of the White House, the hero of Aboukir Bay, a murderer who inspired Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, to a decadent society hostess, the diverse characters range from heroes to villains and from people of conscience to subjects of tabloid scandal and moral prurience.
Edinburgh emerges from its past to become the intellectual, banking and professional capital of an enlightened Scotland. The story reflects how our modern world is shaped but above all it is about its people; some masters of their circumstances and others prisoners
Trade Review"[The book explores] how lives interconnect, how we are all creatures of our time, how rich and complex life is in this sometimes shy and reticent city. Not for a moment does our interest flag."—Alexander McCall Smith
Table of ContentsContents
Foreword
Introduction
1—A Letter from the White House
2—The Hero of Aboukir Bay
3—800 Candles
4—A Visit from Dr Simpson
5—Lawyers and Deal-Makers
6—Enter Mr Hyde
7—The Fish Rots from the Head
8—Rescuing the Aristocracy
9—The Governor’s Treasure
10—Beppo, George and Jenny
11—Love Story
12—The Duchess and the Judge
13—A Question of Identity
14—Towards a New Enlightenment
Notes
Bibliography
List of illustrations
Acknowledgements
Index
