Louisa Stuart Costello (1799–1870) was a poet and artist who supported her family with her paintings. As well as writing a number of historical novels, Costello researched and wrote the biographies of many prominent women, using their letters and diaries to tell their extraordinary stories. This third volume chronicles the lives of twenty-one women including Elizabeth Cromwell, wife of the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell. Featuring letters between Elizabeth Cromwell and her husband, this biography gives a personal dimension to one of the most volatile periods in British history and covers the life of the Lady Protectress after her husband's death. Also included is an account of playwright and actress Susanna Centlivre who allegedly attended lectures at Cambridge University dressed as a man, and wrote numerous well-received comic plays. For more information on this author, see http://orlando.cambridge.org/public/svPeople?person_id=costlo