Scarlet Women: The Scandalous Lives of Courtesans, Concubines, and Royal Mistresses
Graham reveals the lives of women who ruled kingdoms, formed policy, and held power not from the throne, but from the bedroom. Beginning with the death of the last courtesan, Le Belle Otero, in 1965, Graham traces the history of courtesans, mistresses and concubines across the globe and through the years, making this a highly readable book examining the connections between sex and power, politics and money.
To be a courtesan took a great deal of courage. Despite their wealth and status, they were tawdry, yet competition was fierce for the attention of men wealthy enough to support the lifestyle of a courtesan. In an effort to gain the attention of a lover, Cora Pearl served herself naked on a platter at one of her legendary parties and had guests indulge on the fruits that protected her modesty.
Because being a mistress offered no security, these women had to be imaginative, creative and willing to flaunt societal rules. The very qualities that made them desirable and exciting were often the same traits that led to their downfalls. An example: Clara Ward, an American courtesan, was lucky enough to marry a Belgian prince but then ran off with a gypsy violinist. Her daring was responsible for both her success and her ruin.
An entertaining look into the fascinating lives of women who knew how to use a variety of gifts to ensnare kings, caliphs and sultans.
