"Compelling . This is the sort of history book that makes you look at all history anew' " -- New Scientist "Jenkins's history of private life is more urgent than ever . Lucid and elegant " -- Telegraph "A brilliantly original line of investigation, taking the reader on an epic journey through the ages . endlessly fascinating and full of surprises" --Alice Loxton, author of Eighteen " Well written and always provocative " --David Aaronovitch, The Observer "Amidst all the current narrow technological determinism, it is refreshing - and empowering - to read such a nuanced, thoughtful history of this slippery concept" --Kate Fox, author of Watching the English "From Tudor Treason Trials to Monica Lewinsky and beyond, this book brilliantly deploys the author's deep knowledge of literature, political ideas, as well as the history of law and of leisure . a tour de force " --David Abulafia, author of The Boundless Sea " A magisterial intellectual history of an important and evolving concept . timely and compelling ." -- Times Literary Supplement "From Thomas More and Oliver Cromwell to Jennicam, Big Brother and Monica Lewinsky . one of the most thought-provoking books I've read in years " --Adrian Tinniswood, author of The Power and the Glory " An impassioned argument .

Jenkins deploys an array of lively anecdotes to make her case. [ Strangers and Intimates ] is a far-reaching - occasionally dizzying - book " -- The Financial Times " Essential reading for all those seeking to understand the dynamics of the current privacy crisis, and why it matters that solutions are found" --David Vincent, author of A History of Solitude "A highly engaging read, timely, and impressively broad in its scope" -- Literary Review "A stimulating history" -- New Statesman "Jenkins delivers a substantial but still nimble exploration of the modern notion of 'private life' . An eye-opening study of the value of keeping some things unseen " -- Publishers Weekly " Superb . Every page offers fresh revelations . Sharp, insightful analysis ." -- Spiked "A fascinating look at how thinking about privacy has evolved over time. One of those rare works that changes how you see the world, with an insight on every page" -- The Economist.