Unholy Pursuits

"Two centuries ago, a surprising number of Anglican clergymen were to be found moonlighting as journalists. Even more surprisingly, a number of them engaged in vicious mudslinging-- or worse. The Reverend Sir Henry Bate Dudley, editor of the Morning post, fought a string of duels, went to gaol for libelling a duke, and exercised a mysterious hold over the Prince Regent; the Reverend Dr William Dodd, unstoppable scribbler and spendthrift, was hanged for forgery; and the Reverend William Jackson committed suicide after being found guility of high treason. Here, in fascinating detail, are the histories of these and other susceptible divines who were lured away from the drudgeries of their parishes by the dangerous glitter of Grub Street."--Dust jacket.