In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, "secret histories" promised late Stuart and early Hanoverian readers previously undiscovered intelligence about the hidden motives and covert actions of public figures, primarily monarchs, their ministers, and mistresses. These secret histories demystified absolute rulers and played a critical role in contemporary politics. Bullard covers several examples in-depth in context, including Procopius of Caesarea, Delarivier Manley, the Spectator, Daniel Defoe and the early novel, and Eliza Haywood. Endnotes, bibliography, index. Like New copy. List $163. Pickering &  Chatto. 2019. Hb. USED. $65.00