The book of the courtesans
Subtitle: a catalogue of their virtues
By: Susan Griffin.
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: Broadway Books
Published: 2001
Place of publication: New York
Number of pages: 269
Subjects: Courtesans -- History.; Courtesans -- Biography.; Mistresses -- History.; Mistresses -- Biography.
Genres: Biography.
Description: "While they charmed some of Europe's most illustrious men, honing their social skills as well as their sexual ones, the great courtesans gained riches, power, education, and sexual freedom in a time when other women were denied all of these.

From Imperia of fifteenth-century Rome, who personified the Renaissance ideal of beauty; Mme. de Pompadour, the arbiter of all things fashionable in eighteenth-century Paris and Versailles; Liane de Pougy, known in France during the Belle Epoque as "Our National Courtesan"; to Sarah Bernhardt, who, following in her mother's footsteps, supported herself in her early career with a second profession, The Book of the Courtesans tells the life stories and intricacies of the lavish lifestyles of these women. Unlike their geisha counterparts, courtesans neither lived in brothels nor bent their wills to suit their suitors.

They were strongwilled, autonomous, and plucky." "The Book of the Courtesans delves into scintillating but often hidden worlds, telling stories gleaned from many sources, including courtesans' memoirs, presented along with stunning rare photographs to create memorable portraits of some of the most pivotal figures in women's history."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.