Philip Hensher

Thug, rapist, poetic visionary: the contradictory Earl of Rochester

A review of Blazing Star: The Life and Times of John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, by Alexander Larman. You wouldn't have wanted to meet him, but he deserves a biographer who can write

Portrait of John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, with his pet monkey, attributed to Jacob Huysmans [the bridgeman art library]

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