Mistresses: True Stories of Seduction, Power And Ambition

by Leigh Eduardo

Mistresses is a collection of highly entertaining mini-biographies of eight women who used their sexuality to procure power and, in some cases, great wealth. It is a fascinating exploration of opportunism, courage and ambition in a world where men held all the cards. As the story of each mistress is described, so the period in which they lived and loved is brought vividly to life. Lady Castlemaine, Emma Hamilton, Lola Montez, George Sand, Madame de Montespan, Marion Davies, Eva Braun, La Belle Otero.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography

308 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Carolyn James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another one of my bargain finds. Mistresses follows a handful of powerful woman throughout history and the relationships they had over their lifetimes. It was a fun way to learn a little more history from a different perspective and read about some kick ass women. I enjoyed learning about George Sand the most. I found some bits dragged on but of course there are particular parts of history I enjoy more then others. If you like history and reading about real people this is a good one to pick up and peruse through.

[Sharon E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not typically my "type" of book, but I thought I'd try it and I was happy I did! The lives of mistresses were intriguing to say the very least. There were a few stories that I found a bit long and wordy and skipped over those parts, but for the most part I enjoyed it! Enlightening:))

[Ilona · Rating 2 out of 5]

You'd think a book about "seduction, power, and ambition" would be just a tiny bit exciting ... but it wasn't. For the most part, it read like the more interesting bits of a rather stodgy history book. Not what I was hoping for, nor what the blurb suggested.

Oh, well.

[Libraryvixen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Historically inaccurate.

[Serena Solange · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, you would think a book about horizontal liaisons and famous courtesans would be something you couldn’t put down. This book is not that. However it has clearly been well researched and is full of interesting information but written like a series of grad papers where the author wants to be taken seriously but also just wants to spill the tea.

[Dana Al-Basha | دانة الباشا · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book years ago, I remember going through it quickly, it was fascinating and intriguing. The author writes the history of 8 mistresses to important men and how they gained their fame, fortune and power, and how they lost them as well. Here's the chapters:

Barbara Villiers: Miss of State (England)
Madame de Montespan: An affair with the Devil (France)
Emma Hamilton: A Legacy to King and Country (England)
George Sand: A Lust for Life (France)
Lola Montez: Adventuress with a Whip (Ireland)
Eva Braun: Mistress in the Shadows (German)
Marion Davies: History's Wealthiest Mistress? (America)
La Belle Otero: The Suicide's Siren (Spain)

I wish the author made it to ten and included Mata Hari (Netherlands) and Veronica Franco (Italy).

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

An anthology of short biographies describing the lives and times of eight women. I was aware of half of them and was intrigued with all of them. Most were physically attractive when they started and some aged gracefully. A few retained their wealth while others gambled away or otherwise lost the wealth and power they had one time possessed. All of the biographies describe the lovers of these women. Courtesan might be a better term for some of the women because they had several 'clients' over time, only a couple are what one would describe as long-term mistresses.

[Allyson Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful book. I loved reading about these women, although I didn't admire how they got their influence over the men in their lives, I appreciated that this was the 'power' they had at times when women didn't have much say or power in their lives. I found it interesting to read about these relationships, some which seemed to really exist out of love.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author looks at the lives of eight women who were mistresses to famous men, ranging from Barbara Villiers in the 17th century to Eva Braun in the mid 20th century. Enough of a biography to get you interested in these women but not too much of an information overload. Because of this book, I'll be looking for full length biographies of some of the women featured.

[Orea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book with a lot of detail. It's filled with love, humor, history, and tragedy, from Barbara Villiers (born in 1641) to La Belle Otero (born 1868).

[Mj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read from Madame de Montespan to George Sand to Eva Braun, and more.