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Europe. 1913

It's the eve of the First World War. One era ends as another is set to begin. Before life is changed forever in the maelstrom of war, the excess and extravagance of European high society blazes its trail.

Acclaimed historian Virginia Cowles paints a picture of the glamour and scandals within the upper echelon of society of seven major cities, through rich prose and lively anecdotes.

Rumours thrived in the public eye - King George V's speculated alcoholism, the devotion of the Russian Empress to the charlatan Rasputin - Archduke Franz Ferdinand's quick temper and conspicuous affairs. It was not only nobles who caused scandals however; even the ballet was drawn into controversy. The fame of Isadora Duncan, with her self-taught dancing in bare feet and a Greek tunic, drew equal derision and adoration.

'A Defiant Swan Song' chronicles all the highs and lows of 1913 - from major cultural events such as the suffragette movement in London, to the folly and fame of ruling elite. Parties and affairs, fashion and intrigue, dancing and duelling abound.

But life was was not all one endless party before the war. Cowles reveals the tensions and divisions behind the mask of European society.

1913 would be the beginning of the end.

Recommended for fans of Simon Sebag Montefiore, Andrew Roberts and Antonia Fraser.

Virginia Cowles, who was brought up in Boston, left America for Europe at an early age to become a well-known journalist and historian, and is the author of 'Winston Churchill: The Era and The Man', 'Edward VII and His Circle', and 'The Kaiser', amongst other books.

She was married to Aidan Crawley, M.P., and had three children.

Praise for Virgina Cowles

'One of the most delightful books I have read. Miss Cowles has given us a tour-de-force, well researched, comprehensive, frank ... it] abounds in amazing stories of extraordinary personalities' Books and Bookmen

'Splendidly readable' The Sunday Times