3 Review(s)

Willing presents portraits of various "beauties" from different periods, including the Georgian and Victorian eras, providing insight into their personal lives, social standing, and influence. The author delves into the allure these women held, both in terms of their appearance and their ability to navigate the social intricacies of their times, whether in royal courts or high society. Figures like Lady Hamilton, a famous muse and model, and Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, are among the women whose lives are profiled in the book.In addition to detailing their physical charms, Willing also explores the personalities, talents, and sometimes scandals associated with these women. He highlights how their beauty often intersected with power, whether through their marriages, their relationships with influential men, or their roles in public life. Through this exploration, the book examines how society's perceptions of beauty were tied to notions of status, influence, and femininity during earlier periods.