Gross Misbehavior and Wickedness - 9781439913918

Gross Misbehavior and WickednessA Notorious Divorce in Early Twentieth-Century America\nAuthor(s): Jean Elson\nFormat: Paperback\nPublisher: Temple University Press,U.S., United States\nImprint: Temple University Press,U.S.\nISBN-13: 9781439913918, 978-1439913918\nSynopsis\nThe 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 twentieth century.\nGross 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.\n Jean Elson uses court documents, correspondence, journals, and interviews with descendants to recount the salacious cas.