Title: Nightingales : the extraordinary upbringing and curious life of Miss Florence Nightingale /
Authors: Gill, Gillian, 1950-
Publisher: Ballantine Books,
Year: 2004
Subjects: Nightingale, Florence.; Nightingale, Florence, Childhood and youth.; Nightingale, Florence, Family.; Nightingale family.; Nightingale, Florence,; Nurses; Nurses Great Britain Biography.; History of Nursing; England; England.
Abstract: Florence Nightingale was for a time the most famous woman in Britain if not the world. We know her today primarily as a saintly character, perhaps as a heroic reformer of Britain's health care system. The reality is more involved and far more fascinating. In an utterly beguiling narrative that reads like the best Victorian fiction, acclaimed author Gillian Gill tells the story of this richly complex woman and her extraordinary family. Born to an adoring wealthy, cultivated father and a mother whose conventional facade concealed a surprisingly unfettered intelligence, Florence was connected by kinship or friendship to the cream of Victorian England's intellectual aristocracy. Though moving in a world of ease and privilege, the Nightingales came from solidly middle class stock with deep traditions of hard work, natural curiosity, and moral clarity.
Contents: Entails and abolitionists -- One big happy family -- Wen and Fanny, Ben and Anne, Sam and Mai -- Lea Hurst and Embley -- A privileged Victorian childhood -- In father's library -- Doing Europe in style -- Coming out -- Problems with the Nicholsons -- Mrs. Nightingale says no -- Florence Nightingale is tempted -- De Profundis Clamavi Domine -- Breaking free -- Managing Harley Street -- Britain goes to war -- Steeped up to our necks in blood -- Woman trouble -- Spring at last -- In the Crimea -- Living to fight their cause -- Family matters.