Author: Celeste Bradley
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 9780312532567
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 386
Book Description
When Boston museum curator Piper Chase-Pierpont unearths the steamy memoirs of Regency London's most celebrated courtesan, the Blackbird, she's aroused and challenged by what she finds. Could the courtesan's diaries be used as a modern girl's guide to finding love and empowerment?
A Courtesan's Guide to Getting Your Man
Author: Celeste Bradley
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 9780312532567
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 386
Book Description
When Boston museum curator Piper Chase-Pierpont unearths the steamy memoirs of Regency London's most celebrated courtesan, the Blackbird, she's aroused and challenged by what she finds. Could the courtesan's diaries be used as a modern girl's guide to finding love and empowerment?
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 9780312532567
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 386
Book Description
When Boston museum curator Piper Chase-Pierpont unearths the steamy memoirs of Regency London's most celebrated courtesan, the Blackbird, she's aroused and challenged by what she finds. Could the courtesan's diaries be used as a modern girl's guide to finding love and empowerment?
A Courtesan's Guide to Getting Your Man
Author: Celeste Bradley
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 0312532563
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 382
Book Description
When Boston museum curator Piper Chase-Pierpont unearths the steamy memoirs of Regency London's most celebrated courtesan, the Blackbird, she's aroused and challenged by what she finds. Could the courtesan's diaries be used as a modern girl's guide to finding love and empowerment?
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 0312532563
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 382
Book Description
When Boston museum curator Piper Chase-Pierpont unearths the steamy memoirs of Regency London's most celebrated courtesan, the Blackbird, she's aroused and challenged by what she finds. Could the courtesan's diaries be used as a modern girl's guide to finding love and empowerment?
The Book of the Courtesans
Author: Susan Griffin
Publisher: Crown
ISBN: 0767910826
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 242
Book Description
From Pulitzer-Prize-nominated author Susan Griffin comes an unprecedented, provocative look at the dazzling world of the West’s first independent women, whose lively liaisons brought them unspoken influence, wealth, and freedom. 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 sixteenth-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 strong- willed, autonomous, and plucky. An open secret, their presence can be felt throughout our culture. The muses who enflamed the hearts and imaginations of our most celebrated artists, they were also artists in their own right. They wrote poetry and novels, invented the cancan at the Moulin Rouge, and presented celebrated acts at the Folies Bergères. They helped to influence and shape the sensibility of modern literature, painting, and fashion. When Greek sculptor Praxiteles wanted to depict Venus he used a famous courtesan as a model, as in later centuries Titian, Veronese, Raphael, Giorgione, and Boucher did when they painted goddesses. When Marcel Proust was a young man it was the courtesan Laure Hayman who took him under her wing, introducing him to the right people, and providing inspiration for one of literature’s greatest masterpieces. And they often had considerable political influence too. When King Louis XV needed advice on foreign affairs or appointments of state he turned to Jeanne du Barry as well as Pompadour. In her witty and insightful prose, as Griffin celebrates these alluring and fascinating women, she restores a lost legacy of women’s history. She gives us the stories of these amazing women who, starting from impoverished or unimpressive beginnings, garnered chateaux, fine coaches, fabulous collections of jewelry, and even aristocratic titles along the way. And through a brilliant exploration of their extraordinary abilities, skills, and talents which Griffin playfully categorizes as their virtues "Timing, Beauty, Cheek, Brilliance, Gaiety, Grace, and Charm" her book explains how, while helping themselves, through their often outrageous, always entertaining examples, the great courtesans not only enriched our cultural heritage but helped to liberate women from the social, sexual, and economic strictures that confined them. Intensively researched and beautifully crafted, 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.
Publisher: Crown
ISBN: 0767910826
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 242
Book Description
From Pulitzer-Prize-nominated author Susan Griffin comes an unprecedented, provocative look at the dazzling world of the West’s first independent women, whose lively liaisons brought them unspoken influence, wealth, and freedom. 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 sixteenth-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 strong- willed, autonomous, and plucky. An open secret, their presence can be felt throughout our culture. The muses who enflamed the hearts and imaginations of our most celebrated artists, they were also artists in their own right. They wrote poetry and novels, invented the cancan at the Moulin Rouge, and presented celebrated acts at the Folies Bergères. They helped to influence and shape the sensibility of modern literature, painting, and fashion. When Greek sculptor Praxiteles wanted to depict Venus he used a famous courtesan as a model, as in later centuries Titian, Veronese, Raphael, Giorgione, and Boucher did when they painted goddesses. When Marcel Proust was a young man it was the courtesan Laure Hayman who took him under her wing, introducing him to the right people, and providing inspiration for one of literature’s greatest masterpieces. And they often had considerable political influence too. When King Louis XV needed advice on foreign affairs or appointments of state he turned to Jeanne du Barry as well as Pompadour. In her witty and insightful prose, as Griffin celebrates these alluring and fascinating women, she restores a lost legacy of women’s history. She gives us the stories of these amazing women who, starting from impoverished or unimpressive beginnings, garnered chateaux, fine coaches, fabulous collections of jewelry, and even aristocratic titles along the way. And through a brilliant exploration of their extraordinary abilities, skills, and talents which Griffin playfully categorizes as their virtues "Timing, Beauty, Cheek, Brilliance, Gaiety, Grace, and Charm" her book explains how, while helping themselves, through their often outrageous, always entertaining examples, the great courtesans not only enriched our cultural heritage but helped to liberate women from the social, sexual, and economic strictures that confined them. Intensively researched and beautifully crafted, 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.
Courtesans: A Roleplaying Game of Sex and Society
Author: Ian Warner
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 1471681157
Category : Crafts & Hobbies
Languages : en
Pages : 364
Book Description
There has always been a special class of women who defy conventional morality and family structures in order to achieve power beyond any "legitimate" bride. These are the Courtesans. More than mere common strumpets they are courted as much for their razor sharp wits, minds and sporting skill as much as for sex. Set primarily in the golden age of the English Courtesan between the Restoration and the early 20th Centuries, Courtesans offers a unique political and adversarial Roleplaying experience like no other.
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 1471681157
Category : Crafts & Hobbies
Languages : en
Pages : 364
Book Description
There has always been a special class of women who defy conventional morality and family structures in order to achieve power beyond any "legitimate" bride. These are the Courtesans. More than mere common strumpets they are courted as much for their razor sharp wits, minds and sporting skill as much as for sex. Set primarily in the golden age of the English Courtesan between the Restoration and the early 20th Centuries, Courtesans offers a unique political and adversarial Roleplaying experience like no other.
Courtesans and Fishcakes
Author: James N. Davidson
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226137430
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 400
Book Description
As any reader of the Symposium knows, the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates conversed over lavish banquets, kept watch on who was eating too much fish, and imbibed liberally without ever getting drunk. In other words, James Davidson writes, he reflected the culture of ancient Greece in which he lived, a culture of passions and pleasures, of food, drink, and sex before—and in concert with—politics and principles. Athenians, the richest and most powerful of the Greeks, were as skilled at consuming as their playwrights were at devising tragedies. Weaving together Greek texts, critical theory, and witty anecdotes, this compelling and accessible study teaches the reader a great deal, not only about the banquets and temptations of ancient Athens, but also about how to read Greek comedy and history.
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226137430
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 400
Book Description
As any reader of the Symposium knows, the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates conversed over lavish banquets, kept watch on who was eating too much fish, and imbibed liberally without ever getting drunk. In other words, James Davidson writes, he reflected the culture of ancient Greece in which he lived, a culture of passions and pleasures, of food, drink, and sex before—and in concert with—politics and principles. Athenians, the richest and most powerful of the Greeks, were as skilled at consuming as their playwrights were at devising tragedies. Weaving together Greek texts, critical theory, and witty anecdotes, this compelling and accessible study teaches the reader a great deal, not only about the banquets and temptations of ancient Athens, but also about how to read Greek comedy and history.
Courtesans
Author: Katie Hickman
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0060935146
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 388
Book Description
During the course of the nineteenth century, a small group of women rose from impoverished obscurity to positions of great power, independence, and wealth. In doing so they took control of their lives -- and those of other people -- and made the world do their will. Extremely accomplished, well-educated, and unusually literate, courtesans exerted an incredible influence as leaders of society. They were not received at court, but inhabited their own parallel world -- the demimonde -- complete with its own hierarchies, etiquette, and protocol. They were queens of fashion, linguists, musicians, accomplished at political intrigue, and, of course, possessors of great erotic gifts. Even to be seen in public with one of the great courtesans was a much-envied achievement.
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0060935146
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 388
Book Description
During the course of the nineteenth century, a small group of women rose from impoverished obscurity to positions of great power, independence, and wealth. In doing so they took control of their lives -- and those of other people -- and made the world do their will. Extremely accomplished, well-educated, and unusually literate, courtesans exerted an incredible influence as leaders of society. They were not received at court, but inhabited their own parallel world -- the demimonde -- complete with its own hierarchies, etiquette, and protocol. They were queens of fashion, linguists, musicians, accomplished at political intrigue, and, of course, possessors of great erotic gifts. Even to be seen in public with one of the great courtesans was a much-envied achievement.
Breathless
Author: Celeste Bradley
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 1250008069
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 384
Book Description
"She was 'the Swan.' London's premiere courtesan ... When the jealous wife of her lover moves to have the Swan banished from her home ... she winds up crashed against Spain's rocky coast with no shoes, no clothes ... Taken in by a ... man known as The Artist, the Swan comes to know the woman she wants to be--her artist's siren. When Art Professor Brenna Anderson is in danger of losing her post at Harvard, the ... professor is at a loss of how to salvage the shreds of her life. But when a new painting in the mysterious Siren collection is discovered in a dusty old house in France, Brenna does the unthinkable--hops on a plane to uncover the identity of the beautiful, enigmatic woman who is the subject of the paintings"--
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 1250008069
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 384
Book Description
"She was 'the Swan.' London's premiere courtesan ... When the jealous wife of her lover moves to have the Swan banished from her home ... she winds up crashed against Spain's rocky coast with no shoes, no clothes ... Taken in by a ... man known as The Artist, the Swan comes to know the woman she wants to be--her artist's siren. When Art Professor Brenna Anderson is in danger of losing her post at Harvard, the ... professor is at a loss of how to salvage the shreds of her life. But when a new painting in the mysterious Siren collection is discovered in a dusty old house in France, Brenna does the unthinkable--hops on a plane to uncover the identity of the beautiful, enigmatic woman who is the subject of the paintings"--
The Hoodsman - Courtesans and Exiles
Author: Skye Smith
Publisher: Skye Smith
ISBN: 1927699061
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 185
Book Description
Cover Flap By 1072, after six years of rebellion against the Normans, the defeated Anglo-Danish nobility of England were either dead or in exile. Some exiles accepted young Philip of France’s offer to be his mercenaries on Normandy’s northern border, much to the annoyance of the Conqueror. Meanwhile life was good for Raynar and Hereward in Flanders. Their ships plied the trade route between the Fens and Brugge. They had the backing of the Count of Flanders and allies in great Danish fleet that controlled the North Sea. Early in 1102, Duke Robert and his barons went back to Normandy, so England became less risky for travellers. Eustace did not return to Boulogne, as his new wife Mary wanted to linger until Queen Edith’s baby was born. It was an opportunity for him to visit the Honours of Boulogne. About the Author Skye Smith is my pen name. My ancestors were miners and shepherds near Castleton in the Peaks District of Derbyshire. I have been told by some readers that this series reminds them of Bernard Cornwell’s historical novels, and have always been delighted by the comparison. This is the seventh of my Hoodsman series of books, and you should read the first “Killing Kings” before you read this book. All of the books contain two timelines linked by characters and places. The “current” story is set in the era of King Henry I in the 1100’s, while the longer “flashback” story is set in the era of King William I after 1066. I have self-published twelve “The Hoodsman” historical-adventure novels and one Companion reference book for the series: # - SubTitle William I Timeline Henry I Timeline 1. Killing Kings 1066 killing King Harald of Norway (Battle of Stamford Bridge) 1100 killing King William II of England. Henry claims the throne. 2. Hunting Kings 1066 hunting the Conqueror (Battle of Hastings Road) 1100 hunting Henry I (Coronation Charter) 3. Frisians of the Fens 1067/68 rebellions. Edgar Aetheling flees north with Margaret. 1100 amnesty and peace. Henry recruits English bowmen. 4. Saving Princesses 1068/69 rebellions. Margaret weds Scotland (Battle of Durham) 1100/01 Edith of Scotland weds Henry (Battle of Alton) 5. Blackstone Edge 1069/70 rebellions (The Harrowing of the North) 1101 peace while the economy is saved from the bankers 6. Ely Wakes 1070/71 Frisian rebellion (Battles of Ely and Cassel) 1101 Henry collects allies. Mary of Scotland weds Boulogne. 7. Courtesans and Exiles 1072/74 English lords flee abroad (Battle of Montreuil, Edgar surrenders) 1102 Henry collects allies (the honour of Boulogne) 8. The Revolt of the Earls 1075/76 Earls revolt (Battles of Worchester and Fagaduna) 1102 Earls revolt (Battles of Arundel, Bridgnorth, Shropshire) 9. Forest Law 1076/79 fighting Normans in France (London Burned, Battle of Gerberoi) 1103 fighting Normans in Cornwall (Battle of Tamara Sound) 10. Queens and Widows 1079/81 rebellions (Gateshead, Judith of Lens) 1103 Edith made Regent (Force 5 Hurricane) 11. Popes and Emperors 1081 Normans slaughter English exiles (Battle of Dyrrhachium) 1104 Henry visits Normandy (Duchy run by warlords) 12. The Second Invasion 1082/85 power vacuum, peaceful anarchy (Regent Odo arrested enroute to Rome) 1085/87 Re-invasion and Harrowing of all England (Battle of Mantes, Conqueror dies) 1104/05 Henry invades Normandy twice (Battle of Tinchebray) Other Novels By The Same Author: The Pistoleer – 9 historical adventures set in the English Civil War. Maya’s Aura – 8 new age adventures while tripping around the world. Knut – many historical adventures set in the Viking Era.
Publisher: Skye Smith
ISBN: 1927699061
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 185
Book Description
Cover Flap By 1072, after six years of rebellion against the Normans, the defeated Anglo-Danish nobility of England were either dead or in exile. Some exiles accepted young Philip of France’s offer to be his mercenaries on Normandy’s northern border, much to the annoyance of the Conqueror. Meanwhile life was good for Raynar and Hereward in Flanders. Their ships plied the trade route between the Fens and Brugge. They had the backing of the Count of Flanders and allies in great Danish fleet that controlled the North Sea. Early in 1102, Duke Robert and his barons went back to Normandy, so England became less risky for travellers. Eustace did not return to Boulogne, as his new wife Mary wanted to linger until Queen Edith’s baby was born. It was an opportunity for him to visit the Honours of Boulogne. About the Author Skye Smith is my pen name. My ancestors were miners and shepherds near Castleton in the Peaks District of Derbyshire. I have been told by some readers that this series reminds them of Bernard Cornwell’s historical novels, and have always been delighted by the comparison. This is the seventh of my Hoodsman series of books, and you should read the first “Killing Kings” before you read this book. All of the books contain two timelines linked by characters and places. The “current” story is set in the era of King Henry I in the 1100’s, while the longer “flashback” story is set in the era of King William I after 1066. I have self-published twelve “The Hoodsman” historical-adventure novels and one Companion reference book for the series: # - SubTitle William I Timeline Henry I Timeline 1. Killing Kings 1066 killing King Harald of Norway (Battle of Stamford Bridge) 1100 killing King William II of England. Henry claims the throne. 2. Hunting Kings 1066 hunting the Conqueror (Battle of Hastings Road) 1100 hunting Henry I (Coronation Charter) 3. Frisians of the Fens 1067/68 rebellions. Edgar Aetheling flees north with Margaret. 1100 amnesty and peace. Henry recruits English bowmen. 4. Saving Princesses 1068/69 rebellions. Margaret weds Scotland (Battle of Durham) 1100/01 Edith of Scotland weds Henry (Battle of Alton) 5. Blackstone Edge 1069/70 rebellions (The Harrowing of the North) 1101 peace while the economy is saved from the bankers 6. Ely Wakes 1070/71 Frisian rebellion (Battles of Ely and Cassel) 1101 Henry collects allies. Mary of Scotland weds Boulogne. 7. Courtesans and Exiles 1072/74 English lords flee abroad (Battle of Montreuil, Edgar surrenders) 1102 Henry collects allies (the honour of Boulogne) 8. The Revolt of the Earls 1075/76 Earls revolt (Battles of Worchester and Fagaduna) 1102 Earls revolt (Battles of Arundel, Bridgnorth, Shropshire) 9. Forest Law 1076/79 fighting Normans in France (London Burned, Battle of Gerberoi) 1103 fighting Normans in Cornwall (Battle of Tamara Sound) 10. Queens and Widows 1079/81 rebellions (Gateshead, Judith of Lens) 1103 Edith made Regent (Force 5 Hurricane) 11. Popes and Emperors 1081 Normans slaughter English exiles (Battle of Dyrrhachium) 1104 Henry visits Normandy (Duchy run by warlords) 12. The Second Invasion 1082/85 power vacuum, peaceful anarchy (Regent Odo arrested enroute to Rome) 1085/87 Re-invasion and Harrowing of all England (Battle of Mantes, Conqueror dies) 1104/05 Henry invades Normandy twice (Battle of Tinchebray) Other Novels By The Same Author: The Pistoleer – 9 historical adventures set in the English Civil War. Maya’s Aura – 8 new age adventures while tripping around the world. Knut – many historical adventures set in the Viking Era.
The Pretender
Author: Celeste Bradley
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 0312984855
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 385
Book Description
Rule #1: Never fall in love. Celeste Bradley captivated critics and readers alike with her unforgettable novel Fallen, which was nominated for the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America for Best First Book. Now, she brings us The Lover, the first book in the wildly fun, exciting, and sexy new Liar's Club series both featuring irresistible heroes who are out to steal their leading ladies hearts! She had a secret she'd do anything to hide. Agatha Cunnington, a headstrong beauty from the country, has come to London in search of her missing brother James. The only clue she has is a cryptic letter signed The Griffin. Agatha decides to disguise herself as a respectable married woman so that she can go about the city unnoticed. But for her charade to work she needs a suitable "husband," preferably someone tall, elegant, and rakish-someone like Simon Montague Rain. He had a secret he'd do anything to hide. Simon Montague Rain, also known as The Magician, is a member of The Liar's Club, a renegade group of rogues and thieves in the service of the Crown. When someone begins murdering members of the undercover cabal one by one, Simon is given the mission to bring in The Griffin, one of his comrades who is suspected of betraying his brothers. Simon goes undercover and infiltrates the home of "Mrs." Agatha Applequist who he believes is the Griffin's mistress. Before Simon knows what's happened, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Agatha's soft, feminine charms-and he is tempted beyond reason to break the first rule of The Liar's Club: never fall in love. "An entertaining romp...Celeste Bradley uses humor to draw you into the story...a new voice to watch." --Romantic Times "An engaging, lusty tale, full of adventure and loaded with charm." --Gaelen Foley, USA Today bestselling author of Lord of Ice
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 0312984855
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 385
Book Description
Rule #1: Never fall in love. Celeste Bradley captivated critics and readers alike with her unforgettable novel Fallen, which was nominated for the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America for Best First Book. Now, she brings us The Lover, the first book in the wildly fun, exciting, and sexy new Liar's Club series both featuring irresistible heroes who are out to steal their leading ladies hearts! She had a secret she'd do anything to hide. Agatha Cunnington, a headstrong beauty from the country, has come to London in search of her missing brother James. The only clue she has is a cryptic letter signed The Griffin. Agatha decides to disguise herself as a respectable married woman so that she can go about the city unnoticed. But for her charade to work she needs a suitable "husband," preferably someone tall, elegant, and rakish-someone like Simon Montague Rain. He had a secret he'd do anything to hide. Simon Montague Rain, also known as The Magician, is a member of The Liar's Club, a renegade group of rogues and thieves in the service of the Crown. When someone begins murdering members of the undercover cabal one by one, Simon is given the mission to bring in The Griffin, one of his comrades who is suspected of betraying his brothers. Simon goes undercover and infiltrates the home of "Mrs." Agatha Applequist who he believes is the Griffin's mistress. Before Simon knows what's happened, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Agatha's soft, feminine charms-and he is tempted beyond reason to break the first rule of The Liar's Club: never fall in love. "An entertaining romp...Celeste Bradley uses humor to draw you into the story...a new voice to watch." --Romantic Times "An engaging, lusty tale, full of adventure and loaded with charm." --Gaelen Foley, USA Today bestselling author of Lord of Ice
Courtesan
Author: Dora Levy Mossanen
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1439188327
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 308
Book Description
Set amid the elegant châteaux of Belle époque France and the closely guarded world of nineteenth-century Persian women, Courtesan unfolds with the breathtaking cinematic sweep and stunning visual grandeur of an epic film. At its heart are three unforgettable women: Madame Gabrielle, the courtesan whose fateful liaison with the shah of Persia reverberates in the lives of her daughter, Françoise, and her rebellious and brave granddaughter, Simone, whose journey plunges her into the cutthroat diamond trade, where the secrets of an ancient culture may hold the truth she desperately seeks.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1439188327
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 308
Book Description
Set amid the elegant châteaux of Belle époque France and the closely guarded world of nineteenth-century Persian women, Courtesan unfolds with the breathtaking cinematic sweep and stunning visual grandeur of an epic film. At its heart are three unforgettable women: Madame Gabrielle, the courtesan whose fateful liaison with the shah of Persia reverberates in the lives of her daughter, Françoise, and her rebellious and brave granddaughter, Simone, whose journey plunges her into the cutthroat diamond trade, where the secrets of an ancient culture may hold the truth she desperately seeks.