"Animated by scandals, scoundrels and imposters, this collection, with contributions from prominent scholars of literature, history and law, seeks to address issues of identity, trust and deception in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Britain through the optic of the twin concepts of legitimacy and illegitimacy"--Provided by publisher.

This innovative book draws together literature, law and economic and social history to investigate the meanings and uses of legitimacy in nineteenth-century Britain. This broad range of essays highlights the ways in which contested narratives and interested performances shaped the idea of legitimate authority during this period.