Hannah Mary Rathbone

I just finished So Much of the Diary of Lady Willoughby as relates to her Domestic History & to the Eventful Period of the Reign of Charles the First.

This was a very enjoyable read providing a well documented, historical insight into the effects of the civil war on the general population.  I chose the third edition because the author chose not to previously reveal her identity because she was a woman.  Prior to this Southey was the presumed author so obviously it was well received.  This book was written by Hannah Mary Rathbone but her name is not found in the book.  After the third edition, her identity was revealed by the publisher.

 As with the last two books I read on the ensuing Glorious Revolution, it is apparent that a little religious freedom would have saved many lives.  The author was not a revolutionary but stated "men must first act justly, then would they meet with Mercy.  This the King hath never done by his People, and how he must suffer:  what is a Crowne if the head that wears it is dishonoured?"