Hayward, William Stephen Skittles A Biography of a Fascinating Woman, first edition, 8vo, George

Hayward, William Stephen Skittles A Biography of a Fascinating Woman, first edition, 8vo, George Vickers, 1864; another Skittles in Paris Publs. Charles Henry Clarke, Sir George Bull, 3rd Baronet of Hammersmith library sticker to inner cover The fictionalised biography of one of the last great Victorian courtesans. Rare, Worldcat lists three copies with only the BL copy in the UK. Library Hub also lists a copy at Oxford. Catherine "Skittles" Walters (1839-1920) came from humble beginnings but broke into high society as a celebrated horsewoman. Her companions, ranging from Spencer Cavendish to the future Edward VII, afforded her a house with stables in Mayfair and crowds would gather to watch her ride out at Hyde Park. Vickers produced three fictionalised biographies of her life, all of which were commercial successes.