The first event in this five-part series will be led by Johanna Luthman, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History at the University of North Georgia and author of Love, Madness, and Scandal: The Life of Frances Coke Villiers, Viscountess Purbeck, on Monday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cumming Library.
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| Johanna Luthman, author of Love, Madness, and Scandal: The Life of Frances Coke Villiers, Viscountess Purbeck |
Frances Coke Villiers lived in the early 1600s and was forced into a politically convenient marriage. She separated from her husband, but was involved in a scandalous affair and gave birth to an illegitimate child. Her incredible - and tragic - story includes court drama with kings and queens, smallpox, madness, kidnappings, prison breaks, exile, and involvement in civil war.
While this may sound more like a new HBO drama than actual history, Dr. Luthman’s recounting of Viscountess Purbeck’s life will highlight the challenges of living in this period in English history, as well as her determination to keep both her child and her place in society.
Luthman will also present Drama Queens: Exploring the Marriages of Henry VIII, the second portion of the royal wedding series, at the Post Road Library on Thursday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m.
“England’s Henry VIII is one of history’s most notorious kings,” says Walker.
“He and his six queens are the subject of many popular works of non-fiction and fiction in our collection, but Dr. Luthman will share new perspectives on the politics of his court and the deadly intrigue his wives faced.”
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| Lauren Duxbury (right), owner and founder of Panbury's |
“Panbury’s was recognized by Atlanta Magazine, Zagat, and Creative Loafing as making the best savory pies in Atlanta, so we’re delighted to have Ms. Duxbury share the history and traditions surrounding these delicious pastries,” explains Walker.
Duxbury will bring along samples of several sweet and savory British pies for the audience to taste. Admission is free, but advance registration is required for this portion of the royal wedding series.
The last two events in the series will be held at the newly expanded Sharon Forks Library, set to reopen on March 24.
Sordid Affairs: History’s Most Scandalous Marriages will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 22. Luthman, who specializes in issues of love, sex, and marriage in the Tudor and Stuart eras, will reveal secrets behind the clandestine meetings and doomed love affairs of the time.
Finally, in preparation for the festivities surrounding the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May, library patrons will get a glimpse of royal wedding fashion, both past and present.
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| Sarah Collins, Associate Chair of Fashion, Savannah College of Art and Design |
“Ms. Collins started the fashion program at SCAD Atlanta,” says Walker.
“She has a unique background in both art and fashion that will give our patrons a sense of how historical and contemporary designers work to create fashions for the royal couple, their attendants, and their families.”
For more information on the Tying the Windsor Knot royal wedding series, please visit www.forsythpl.org.
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