A portrait of Sarah Churchill, first Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744), this volume discusses one of the most powerful, influential and fascinating women of her times. Castigated for traits which might have been applauded in a man, Sarah was famously described by Dr Johnson as a “good hater”. She was instrumental in the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and became a strident advocate of Whig principles. She supervised the building of Blenheim Palace and Marlborough House, and managed some 27 other estates. Sarah was a compulsive and compelling writer, narrating the major events of her day with herself often at centre-stage. This biography brings her own passionate, intelligent voice to the fore and casts a critical eye over images of the Duchess in art, history and literature.

Praise for The Favourite:

“Capacious and beautifully detailed…the first work by a write who is a master of her craft” – Independent

“Scholarly, highly articulate, and above all never dull” – Sunday Telegraph

“Nowhere is the subtlety of Ophelia Field’s historical understanding more apparent than in her delicate reading of the relationship between Sarah and Anne. That it is Field’s first book is something of a wonder…The Favourite is an outstandingly accomplished debut” – Guardian