Perdita's Prince

This sixth novel in the Georgian saga is a lively re-creation of life among the royals in 18th century England, history made readable in the Plaidy style. George III, fighting madness and the loss of the American colonies, has a domestic crisis as well. The 17-year-old Prince of Wales, chafing at the puritanical decorum of his parents' court, is about to begin his career of womanizing, gambling and consorting with the king's political enemies. At the Drury Lane, the prince is enchanted by popular actress Mary Robinson in the role of Perdita in A Winter's Tale. Although she is older, married and a mother, the Prince sets her up as his mistress. The ensuing scandal is used to advantage by the King's political opponents, while the Prince moves on to newer, more flamboyant dalliances, happily anticipating the unbridled indulgence his 21st birthday will permit. Plaidy's colorful tales abounds with the famous and notorious of the period. (October)