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Beautiful For Ever
Madame Rachel had everything: a Mayfair address, the title of 'purveyor to Her Majesty the Queen', a shop full of exotic, expensive creams and potions. Her clientele were aristocratic, rich - and gullible.
This is the true story of Madame Rachel who began life as a poor fish fryer in a disease-ridden, grubby corner of Victorian London. She ended up with a shop in New Bond Street, where her wealthy clients came in their droves, lured by the promise of eternal beauty. What they found there was a con-woman and fraudster who made a career out of lies, treachery and the desperate hopes of women wanting to be 'beautiful for ever'.
Beautiful For Ever is a thrilling tale of love affairs, scandal, blackmail, high-profile court cases, suicide and fraud, with the extraordinary Madame Rachel right at the centre of it all.
This is the true story of Madame Rachel who began life as a poor fish fryer in a disease-ridden, grubby corner of Victorian London. She ended up with a shop in New Bond Street, where her wealthy clients came in their droves, lured by the promise of eternal beauty. What they found there was a con-woman and fraudster who made a career out of lies, treachery and the desperate hopes of women wanting to be 'beautiful for ever'.
Beautiful For Ever is a thrilling tale of love affairs, scandal, blackmail, high-profile court cases, suicide and fraud, with the extraordinary Madame Rachel right at the centre of it all.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
306 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2010
5 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Helen Rappaport
24 books875 followersHelen Rappaport is a historian specialising in the Victorian period, with a particular interest in Queen Victoria and the Jamaican healer and caregiver, Mary Seacole. She also has written extensively on late Imperial Russia, the 1917 Revolution and the Romanov family. Her love of all things Victorian springs from her childhood growing up near the River Medway where Charles Dickens lived and worked. Her passion for Russian came from a Russian Special Studies BA degree course at Leeds University. In 2017 she was awarded an honorary D.Litt by Leeds for her services to history. She is also a member of the Royal Historical Society, the Genealogical Society, the Society of Authors and the Victorian Society. She lives in the West Country, and has an enduring love of the English countryside and the Jurassic Coast, but her ancestral roots are in the Orkneys and Shetlands from where she is descended on her father's side. She likes to think she has Viking blood.
Helen is the author of 14 published books with 2 forthcoming in 2022:
"In Search of Mary Seacole: The Making of a Cultural Icon" - Simon & Schuster UK, 17 February 2022
"After the Romanovs: Russian Exiles in Paris through Revolution and War" - St Martin's Press USA, 8 March 2022
For her next project she is working on a biography of Juliane of Saxe-Coburg aka Grand Duchess Anna Feodorovna of Russia
Follow her also on Facebook at:
HelenRappaportWriter
Helen is the author of 14 published books with 2 forthcoming in 2022:
"In Search of Mary Seacole: The Making of a Cultural Icon" - Simon & Schuster UK, 17 February 2022
"After the Romanovs: Russian Exiles in Paris through Revolution and War" - St Martin's Press USA, 8 March 2022
For her next project she is working on a biography of Juliane of Saxe-Coburg aka Grand Duchess Anna Feodorovna of Russia
Follow her also on Facebook at:
HelenRappaportWriter
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 15, 2014
I was wavering between three and four stars for this one - so I gave it four as I really did like it more than a three.
This is the story of Madame Rachel - a nineteenth century businesswoman who made her money by promising to make women "beautiful for ever" via her face "enamelling" process. Rappaport says in her introduction that the book has been a bit of a labour of love for her and I could tell from the book how invested she was in it. I didn't find the story as fascinating as she clearly does, but it was a great insight into the murky world of the Victorian beauty industry.
I found it hard to work up sympathy for Madame Rachel - while she was badly treated by the press (for being Jewish) and in some cases the court system (who favoured the aristocracy over her) her business dealings were dodgy at best and downright illegal at worst. Equally I didn't have much sympathy for her victims - women who spent tens of thousands of pounds in today's money at her salon in one visit - often money that they couldn't afford.
But over all it was still a really interesting read - and one that I read very quickly, which is always a sign that I'm enjoying something.
This is the story of Madame Rachel - a nineteenth century businesswoman who made her money by promising to make women "beautiful for ever" via her face "enamelling" process. Rappaport says in her introduction that the book has been a bit of a labour of love for her and I could tell from the book how invested she was in it. I didn't find the story as fascinating as she clearly does, but it was a great insight into the murky world of the Victorian beauty industry.
I found it hard to work up sympathy for Madame Rachel - while she was badly treated by the press (for being Jewish) and in some cases the court system (who favoured the aristocracy over her) her business dealings were dodgy at best and downright illegal at worst. Equally I didn't have much sympathy for her victims - women who spent tens of thousands of pounds in today's money at her salon in one visit - often money that they couldn't afford.
But over all it was still a really interesting read - and one that I read very quickly, which is always a sign that I'm enjoying something.
July 24, 2014
This book was quite interesting, though I felt that there was much more to the tale than the author was able to tell.
It is about a Victorian con-woman who sold cosmetics that promised to make you look young and beautiful, but were really over-priced slop. So nothing much has changed there then. Except, some women actually went massively into debt and pawned the family jewels to pay for these things. The book deals mainly with two women who were ruined by this beautician.
What fascinates and frustrates me is that this book is full of hints that society women were using the shopfront as a place of assignation, and that Madame Rachel was actually providing handsome young men to have assignations with. In short, Madame Rachel was a pimp who pimped men. Which surely must make her unique in Victorian Britain. But this isn't gone into in any depth.
The more I read about Victorian history, the more I am convinced that the Victorians were a hell of a lot less repressed and more diverse than the stereotypes allow. What was presented to us by the popular novelists of the time was nothing like what life was actually like for people.
It is about a Victorian con-woman who sold cosmetics that promised to make you look young and beautiful, but were really over-priced slop. So nothing much has changed there then. Except, some women actually went massively into debt and pawned the family jewels to pay for these things. The book deals mainly with two women who were ruined by this beautician.
What fascinates and frustrates me is that this book is full of hints that society women were using the shopfront as a place of assignation, and that Madame Rachel was actually providing handsome young men to have assignations with. In short, Madame Rachel was a pimp who pimped men. Which surely must make her unique in Victorian Britain. But this isn't gone into in any depth.
The more I read about Victorian history, the more I am convinced that the Victorians were a hell of a lot less repressed and more diverse than the stereotypes allow. What was presented to us by the popular novelists of the time was nothing like what life was actually like for people.
June 11, 2020
Rachel Levinson and her daughters start a cosmetics business in the middle of the 19th century. From a squalid background, 'Madame Rachel' is business-savvy and soon the terror of the female part of the aristocracy who are afraid to be known as users of her products. The book looks at a series of lawsuits against Rachel.
I've absolutely no idea how to review this, mainly because you can see clearly how much the author knows her subject and the Victorian era. But then: it could've been so much better!
As other reviewers have stated before me, the author mainly draws on primary sources like transcripts of the many, many lawsuits the subject of the book, Rachel Levinson, is involved in. This is, of course, totally valid: but then, the reluctance to interpret those sources makes a very unsatisfactory book whose subject never is more than a cutout.
I wished very much for more background info to flesh out Rachel, if the author didn't want to engage in speculation: draw a picture of London in the 1850-80s then, and tell us about antisemitism at the time, for example. Even more important, and a grave error: delve into the subject of women's beauty at the time. That's the glaring back hole around the book circles: why exactly is it so important for women of the upper middle classes and aristocracy to be beautiful for ever?
On top of that I found it really strange that there's nearly no info about the use and making of cosmetics in the 19th century when the subject of the book is, in fact, both a maker and seller of cosmetics.
While the points above make for a somewhat disappointing read (so many questions unanswered!), my biggest problem is the author's fluctuating stance on her subject: at times she nearly unthinkingly sides with her sources: women using beauty products and trying to preserve their looks are called 'silly and vain'. She judges readily without ever reflecting upon her source material that comes from men with their own agenda and the 19th century stance on women.
All in all, a disappointment.
I've absolutely no idea how to review this, mainly because you can see clearly how much the author knows her subject and the Victorian era. But then: it could've been so much better!
As other reviewers have stated before me, the author mainly draws on primary sources like transcripts of the many, many lawsuits the subject of the book, Rachel Levinson, is involved in. This is, of course, totally valid: but then, the reluctance to interpret those sources makes a very unsatisfactory book whose subject never is more than a cutout.
I wished very much for more background info to flesh out Rachel, if the author didn't want to engage in speculation: draw a picture of London in the 1850-80s then, and tell us about antisemitism at the time, for example. Even more important, and a grave error: delve into the subject of women's beauty at the time. That's the glaring back hole around the book circles: why exactly is it so important for women of the upper middle classes and aristocracy to be beautiful for ever?
On top of that I found it really strange that there's nearly no info about the use and making of cosmetics in the 19th century when the subject of the book is, in fact, both a maker and seller of cosmetics.
While the points above make for a somewhat disappointing read (so many questions unanswered!), my biggest problem is the author's fluctuating stance on her subject: at times she nearly unthinkingly sides with her sources: women using beauty products and trying to preserve their looks are called 'silly and vain'. She judges readily without ever reflecting upon her source material that comes from men with their own agenda and the 19th century stance on women.
All in all, a disappointment.
January 16, 2013
I have to admit I brought this book for the gorgeous cover. I had thought it a novel but, in fact, it's the true story of Madam Rachel who conned, swindled and blackmailed several society women and made a considerable fortune both in London and Paris by selling cosmetics supposedly to make them "beautiful for ever". It illustrates the greed and stupidity of women who think they can make themselves young and beautiful whatever their age. In many ways a sad story too - 2 of her daughters committed suicide, one died young and Madam Rachel herself spent a good deal of her life in prison and, in fact, died there.
November 21, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, though I would change the title to Madam Rachel: Victorian Snake Oil Salesman. She gives the word "swindler" a whole new meaning.
This read like a novel. I had to keep reminding myself that this actually happened. I couldn't believe the absolute JUNK that this woman charged exorbitant amounts to buy and the blatantly false advertising she used to sell the stuff (such as claiming she went all the way to the Dead Sea to procure these products). The scary part is she made TONS of money and had no remorse for what she did.
This book was fascinating and well researched. I enjoyed it a lot.
This read like a novel. I had to keep reminding myself that this actually happened. I couldn't believe the absolute JUNK that this woman charged exorbitant amounts to buy and the blatantly false advertising she used to sell the stuff (such as claiming she went all the way to the Dead Sea to procure these products). The scary part is she made TONS of money and had no remorse for what she did.
This book was fascinating and well researched. I enjoyed it a lot.
June 26, 2015
A thorough exposition of one of the more colorful Victorian characters. Miss Rachel was an enameller, a person who claimed to be able to improve your complexion and thus your beauty. She was definitely shady, but OTOH seems to have suffered a good deal of prejudice and injustice as well.
This account seems very complete but is possibly not told in the most coherent and thrilling way. However, you can't hardly beat the core material.
This account seems very complete but is possibly not told in the most coherent and thrilling way. However, you can't hardly beat the core material.
November 26, 2019
I almost DNF but stuck with it. It should have been a fascinating story but I found it dry and repetitive.
January 14, 2026
I wanted to give this book a 4 star, even a 5 star because of its content. I found much of the information fascinating - such as how the aristocracy lived, their values and even what chemicals went into cosmetics. The author did extensive research. The book was well-written. But unfortunately it didn’t keep my interest. I understand that the author kept to facts which in itself is commendable. But perhaps she could have used a bit more journalistic licence. For example I would have liked a more vivid story of Madame Rachel’s days in prison, other than the cold facts . What were her feelings? Her fears when she was incarcerated for the second time? Madame Rachel was indeed an interesting character her life story is absorbing, and needs to be told. I am pleased I read this book.
July 31, 2019
A fascinating true story into the life of Madam Rachel, a con artist and a beautician of the Victorian time. The story goes beyond her life and work, and there is an examination of the court proceedings and collecting evidence from that time. I felt it was quite a good portrayal of the justice system of that time, including how women were treated, how people of different religions were treated and the popular shaming of women. It was interesting to see how women, even at that time, felt pressure to be and stay beautiful and would use incredible amounts of money to do it!
June 3, 2023
2.5 stars
May 13, 2025
The subject matter was fascinating, but it could have been much, much better. It kinda read like a laundry list of court proceedings.
August 31, 2015
This is a fascinating story – I came across Rappaport through her work on various documentaries, and with an abiding interest in imposters and identity hoaxers, this book really took my interest. It is the story of Madame Rachel, the woman who was either a misanthropic schemer, or a mother trying to survive in a world uncaring to the suffering of the poor, depending on how you look at it.
Much of the book seems to swing from court case to court case, probably because the court appearances were one of the few opportunities Rappaport would have had to view actual documentation and clarification of Rachel’s practices, because most of her story occurs behind closed doors, in secrecy and through the cloak of her customers’ shame (although she herself seemed to have frustratingly little.)
It is important to separate the interesting subject matter from whether this is an interesting book to read. Some parts were a little dry, perhaps in an attempt to render some dignity to the memory of those involved, but also due to the formality of the court proceedings. I wonder if there could have been more elaboration on the context in which Rachel and her public persona existed – there were implications about women in Victorian Society, their gradually increasing access to disposable incomes etc, but this could have perhaps been discussed more – likewise the Victorian anti-Semitic attitudes (which I didn’t really appreciate until I came across “Daniel Deronda.”)
I really hope there’s at least one person who read this book to get ideas for a novel – because so much of this story can only be guessed at – Rachel’s motives, her relationship with her children (especially the daughters who worked with her), the various customers – however this is still a book worth reading for a sense of “herstory.”
Much of the book seems to swing from court case to court case, probably because the court appearances were one of the few opportunities Rappaport would have had to view actual documentation and clarification of Rachel’s practices, because most of her story occurs behind closed doors, in secrecy and through the cloak of her customers’ shame (although she herself seemed to have frustratingly little.)
It is important to separate the interesting subject matter from whether this is an interesting book to read. Some parts were a little dry, perhaps in an attempt to render some dignity to the memory of those involved, but also due to the formality of the court proceedings. I wonder if there could have been more elaboration on the context in which Rachel and her public persona existed – there were implications about women in Victorian Society, their gradually increasing access to disposable incomes etc, but this could have perhaps been discussed more – likewise the Victorian anti-Semitic attitudes (which I didn’t really appreciate until I came across “Daniel Deronda.”)
I really hope there’s at least one person who read this book to get ideas for a novel – because so much of this story can only be guessed at – Rachel’s motives, her relationship with her children (especially the daughters who worked with her), the various customers – however this is still a book worth reading for a sense of “herstory.”
December 29, 2014
Having seen Helen Rappaport at the Edinburgh Book Festival discussing her latest work, I picked this book out of her back catalogue, and she was thrilled to see it chosen, as it is a favourite still.
The book was very readable and engaging. It's not too long or dry. I, too, was tantalised by what was alluded to with regards to possible scandalous goings on in Victorian London, but I understand that Rappaport is sticking to what we know. Until some hidden records of what really went on are discovered, we will never know everything that really went on behind the polite screen of Victorian society.
I, too, couldn't sympathise with Madame Rachel, but I did admire her chutzpah, as Rappaport puts it. And I also enjoyed the links into broader society - how one of the court cases about Madame Rachel fleecing an extraordinarily gullible and stupid widow out of her fortune, led to the delay of the Married Women's Property Act. And I was exclaiming vocally at the book when Rappaport quotes newspapers (by men, for men) pointing out how women are uneducated and can't be trusted with money or business - and yet they don't allow for the education of women, and are threatened by a successful businesswoman.
I shall be lending this book to friends who are also interested in women in history, the oft-untold side of history.
The book was very readable and engaging. It's not too long or dry. I, too, was tantalised by what was alluded to with regards to possible scandalous goings on in Victorian London, but I understand that Rappaport is sticking to what we know. Until some hidden records of what really went on are discovered, we will never know everything that really went on behind the polite screen of Victorian society.
I, too, couldn't sympathise with Madame Rachel, but I did admire her chutzpah, as Rappaport puts it. And I also enjoyed the links into broader society - how one of the court cases about Madame Rachel fleecing an extraordinarily gullible and stupid widow out of her fortune, led to the delay of the Married Women's Property Act. And I was exclaiming vocally at the book when Rappaport quotes newspapers (by men, for men) pointing out how women are uneducated and can't be trusted with money or business - and yet they don't allow for the education of women, and are threatened by a successful businesswoman.
I shall be lending this book to friends who are also interested in women in history, the oft-untold side of history.
February 3, 2013
This is the kind of book which illuminates a whole period of history through the story of one crook, one few of us have ever heard of. She exploited the vanity of wealthy women, conned them and stole from them. She died in prison, and no one was sure of her origins. We have to wait to the end of the book to discover those.
One thing lacking in the story is any personal account or description, but that's not the author's fault.
One thing lacking in the story is any personal account or description, but that's not the author's fault.
January 16, 2015
Itneresting read
February 15, 2015
A little dry, confusing and scanty on the details at times. Eh.
July 1, 2016
Fascinating account of the nineteenth century cosmetics trade, and those who came into contact with it. One of the most enjoyable history books I've read in years!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews