Who was Esther Vanhomrigh, and why did she inspire one of the greatest poets of the 18th century? In this illuminating biography, Woods delves into the life of the woman who served as the muse for Jonathan Swift's famous poem 'Cadenus and Vanessa.' Drawing on a range of primary sources, including letters and diaries, Woods paints a vivid portrait of a woman torn between her love for a brilliant writer and her desire for independence and self-determination. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of literature or the lives of women in 18th century Europe.

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