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The Book of the Courtesans
A Catalogue of Their Virtues
by Susan Griffin
ISBN: 0767904516
ISBN-13: 9780767904513
Format: Paperback
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Summary
This social history of the courtesans who enchanted the influential men of Europe sees them as early feminists. Griffin chronicles how they acquired great power and influence, as well as pleasure, on their own terms.
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Bibliographic Details
Publisher: Broadway Books
Published date: 2002
Size: 5.25 x 8 inches
Weight: 0.55 pounds
Publisher's Notes
They charmed some of Europe’s most illustrious men, honing their social skills as well as their sexual ones, and accumulating wealth, fame, and power along the way. Unlike their geisha counterparts, courtesans didn't lived in brothels or bend their wills to suit their suitors. They were the muses who enflamed the hearts of our most celebrated artists--Raphael, Manet, Dumas, and Proust, to name just a few--as well as becoming artists in their own right. Offering the first comprehensive tour of their worlds, Susan Griffins celebrates these first feminists and hails their virtues: Timing, Beauty, Cheek, Brilliance, Gaiety, Grace, and Charm.
From Veronica Franco, who graced the palazzos of sixteenth-century Venice, and Madame de Pompadour, the arbiter of all things fashionable at Versailles during the reign of Lous XV, to La Belle Otero of the grand boulevards of Paris in the Gay Nineties and Marion Davies, who took Hollywood by storm in the 1920's and 1930's, The Book of the Courtesans enticingly illustrates the intricacies of their lavish lifestyles and incredible life stories. Fascinating true tales and enlightening snippets from courtesans' memoirs further reveal how these cunning women seized their opportunity to become the West's first liberators, free to choose their own lovers and command remarkable respect.
Delving into his scintillating world, The Book of the Courtesans is an impeccably researched, beautifully crafted portrait of some of the most intriguing figures in women's history.
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The Book of the Courtesans: A Catalogue of Their Virtues
Griffin, Susan
Broadway Books, 2001. Illustrated. Trade paperback. Very good. No dust jacket as issued. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 269 p. Contains: Illustrations. Audience: General/trade. ( more information) Offered by Stefan Lacroix Vintage Books (United States)
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The Book of the Courtesans: A Catalogue of Their Virtues
Susan Griffin
Broadway, 2002-09-10. Paperback. New. BRAND NEW trade paperback in excellent condition with no blemishes or flaws of any kind; We are a small hard working operation who understand that the economy is tough and every penny counts, shop with us for low prices, quality merchandise, fast shipping, and first-class customer service ( more information) Offered by T's Books (United States)
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The Book of the Courtesans: A Catalogue of Their Virtues
Susan Griffin
Broadway, 2002-09-10. Paperback. New. BRAND NEW trade paperback in excellent condition with no blemishes or flaws of any kind; We are a small hard working operation who understand that the economy is tough and every penny counts, shop with us for low prices, quality merchandise, fast shipping, and first-class customer service ( more information) Offered by T's Books (United States)
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The Book of the Courtesans: A Catalogue of Their Virtues
Griffin, Susan
New York, New York, U.S.A.: Broadway Books, 2002. 269 Pages. Illustrated. A look at the West's first liberated women, free to choose their own lovers and command considerable respect and power. Muses and artists themselves, their liasons brought them influence and wealth. A captivating,lyrical, and enchanting exploration of women of pleasure and intelligence and the meanings of intelligent pleasure. A combination of erudtiion, history, and poetry in a way that makes an intriguing subject fresh. The great courtesans charmed some of Europe's most illustrious men, gaining riches, power, education, and sexual freedom in a time when most women were denied all of these. The inspired artists and writers from Pwaxdteles to Proust. Tells the stories of these women, including Imperia of 16th century Rome, who personified the Renaissance ideal of beauty; Mme. de Pompadour, the arbiter of fashion in 18th century POasis and Versailles; and Liane de Pougy, known in France during the Bell Epopue as Our National Courtesan. Categorizes dthe courtesans' extraordinary abilities, skills, and talens as their virtues: Timing, Beauty, Cheek,Brilliance, Gaiety, Grace, and Charm. . First Printing. Trade Paperback. Near Fine. 5" x 8". ( more information) Offered by Dons Bookstore (United States)
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The Book of the Courtesans: A Catalogue of Their Virtues
Griffin, Susan
New York: Broadway Books, 2002. Women of riches, power, education and sexual freedom in a time when most women were denied these. 269 pages with rare photographs. Wear at tips of cover corners. Otherwise unmarked, clean, tight pages.. First Thus. Trade Paperback. Fine/Not Issued. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. ( more information) Offered by LilMum's Books (United States)
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