Empress of Pleasure : The Life and Adventures of Teresa Cornelys
Summary
Outrageous, ingenious and indomitable, Teresa Cornelys was a unique figure in 18th century Europe whose private life and professional dealings scandalized society. A Venetian opera singer and adventuress, she arrived in England in 1759, leaving a trail of debts and lovers across Europe. She was 36 years old, destitute and the mother of Casanova's child. Within months, she had acquired one of the finest mansions in London's West End - Carlisle House, Soho Square - where she successfully launched the captital's first night-club. For two decades her extravagant concerts, balls and masquerades were frequented by royalty, aristocrats and politicians. She defied conventional morality, the law, the limitations of her sex, and even old age.
Similar Books
-
Earthly Joysby Philippa Gregory
-
Oscar Wilde: A Biographyby Richard Ellmann
-
-
Deck with Flowersby Elizabeth Cadell
-
Sisi - Myth and Truthby Katrin Unterreiner
-
Windows for the Crown Prince: Akihito of Japanby Elizabeth Gray Vining
-
Elizabeth, The Queen Motherby Hugo Vickers
-
-
In Search of a Beginning: My Life with Graham Greeneby Yvonne Cloetta
-
Bird of Paradise: The Colourful Career of the First Mrs Robinsonby Sarah Gristwood
-
Salaam Stanley Matthewsby Subrata Dasgupta
-
Florence Nightingaleby Elspeth Huxley
-
Quicksilver: The autobiography of Marie Rambertby Marie Rambert
-
-
The Shadow of Doubtby Joan Brittaine