Beginning with the infamous Lord Rochester's antics (although not directly related to a club), Lord takes her readers from the late 17th century into the early 19th, discussing any organized group which set out out to blaspheme against God or society. This begins with the street gang, The Mohocks, who terrorized London, moves into the Hell-Fire clubs and the legendary Medmenham Friars, and ends with the lasting clubs' influence. The clubs differ in their antics, ranging from street brawls, to blaspheming, to visits from prostitutes but they all seem to share a common trait in keeping most of these antics secret.
What I had read about the clubs in the past sounded like pure gossip: orgies, violence, and other such lascivious activities. In the introduction Lord is forward in her aim to demythologize the hell-fire clubs and expose what is legend and what is truth. That is exactly what she does. This could prove to be disappointing for those expecting gruesome details of what we have once thought these clubs to be. You always want to hear shocking details of the depravities done behind closed doors, and those still exist, just not to the extent we once thought they did.
The Hell-Fire Clubs is another book I zoomed through; it was difficult to put down! Lord's research was extensive and her writing was compelling. My only criticism was that there was a chapter that could have been omitted which had mini-biographies of notable members of The Friars of Medmenham. Since they had already been introduced to readers the chapter came off as filler, which I think is unnecessary. Otherwise, the book is packed with great facts and stories of these nefarious men and their social gatherings. The Hell-Fire Clubs is great book for those interested in the private lives of noblemen, fans of Men Behaving Badly, and of course, the Hellfire clubs.
The Hellfire Clubs: Sex, Satanism and Secret Societies
Have I mentioned lately that you post the best book reviews? Because you totally post the best book reviews :D Must add this one to my Goodreads list...
ReplyDeleteThank you! I was worried I wasn't doing justice to this fab book so I needed that!
ReplyDeleteExcellent review! I will definitely be adding this to my wishlist. :o)
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm always interested in the private lives of noblemen. What else are they there for except for gossip and anything else naughty? ;) Really looking forward to this book.
ReplyDeleteOh my - this is indeed intriguing. Great review Heather. I always trust your judgment and must read this. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThank you! Ironically I was reading your review of Ventia just now
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. Will get it and devour it!
ReplyDeleteGlad you reviewed this book. I have held on to it for ages, but just never got around to it.
ReplyDeleteOoh =) Good thing I've got so many book tokens left over from my birthday (in November!...that's what comes of needing to revise more and read less =p!) Thanks for another fab review Heather!
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