Carole Somerville

From His Mistress Carole Somerville

Compelling story of the poet John Donne and Anne More?s clandestine courtship, secret marriage and the ensuing consequences of their having broken the conventions of that time. Anne More (born 1584) was a woman ahead of her time who refused to be restricted by the then Laws and conventions relating to marriage. Her father was a wealthy land-owner and member of Parliament and Anne was brought up by his sister, Lady Egerton (the Lord Keeper?s wife) at York House in London. It was at York House where Anne and John conducted their secret love affair, both knowing that John?s meagre resources could never make a match for the highly respected George More?s daughter. In 1601 the couple were secretly married. When Anne?s father found out he had John instantly dismissed from Egerton?s service and imprisoned in the Fleet. John was eventually released and up until Anne?s death in 1617 they were devoted to each other. The 16th Century poet John Donne wrote some of the greatest love poems in the English language. ?From His Mistress? offers insight into Anne?s family, her relationship with her father, the restrictions placed upon women at that time (social, religious and educational) and the reasons why their courtship had to be kept a secret. Theirs was one of history?s greatest love stories. "From His Mistress" is the story of their sensational marriage. - Anne's response to John Donne's Elegy 17 "On His Mistress."