This fortnight's acquisitions

Perdita: The Life of Mary Robinson, Paula Bryne, HarperCollins, 2004. (Thanks Anne, lovely present)

In 1772 the 14-year-old Mary, who was to have successive careers as actress, courtesan and writer, wrote that she loved the "buzz" of London (p. 25). Curious, since it is one of those words that sounds as though it should be a recent invention. More later - she's a great character.

'Almost a Man of Genius,: Clemence Royer, Feminism and Nineteenth-Century Science, Joy Harvey, Rutgers University Press, New Brunswick, 1997.

The Diary of A Young Lady of Fashion in the Year 1764-65, by Cleonie Knox, Thornton Butterworth, Second impression 1925 - a further excursion into old historical fiction.

Goya, Robert Hughes, Vintage, 2004, only £9 from Amazon - a bargain for a beautifully produced large paperback.

Lovers, Rakes and Rogues: A New Garner of Love-songs and Merry Verses, 1580-1830, John Wardroper, Shelfmark, 1995.

(Plus the paperbacks in the post below, and the lovely Sevenoaks history.)