Gross Misbehavior and Wickedness
A Notorious Divorce in Early Twentieth-Century America
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Gross Misbehavior and Wickedness
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Narrated by:
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Margaret Mikkelsen
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Written by:
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Jean Elson
About this listen
The bitter and public court battle waged between Nina and James Walker of Newport, Rhode Island, from 1909 to 1916 created a sensation throughout the nation with lurid accounts of - and gossip about - their marital troubles. The ordeal of this high-society couple, who wed as much for status as for love, is one of the prime examples of the growing trend of women seeking divorce during the early 20th century.
Gross Misbehavior and Wickedness - the charges Nina levied at James for his adultery (with the family governess) and extreme cruelty - recounts the protracted legal proceedings in juicy detail.
Jean Elson uses court documents, correspondence, journals, and interviews with descendants to recount the salacious case. In the process, she underscores how divorce - in an era when women needed husbands for economic support - was associated with women’s aspirations for independence and rights. The Walkers’ dispute, replete with plot twists and memorable characters, sheds light on a critical period in the evolution of American culture.
“A fascinating true story. This is a moving and captivating book.” (Elizabeth Ettorre, University of Liverpool)
"Succeeds in immersing the reader...." (History)
©2017 Temple University - of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education (P)2020 Redwood Audiobooks