La Belle Otero: The Last Great Courtesan
London: Michael Joseph, 1981. 1st Edition. Hardcover. 16mo - over 5¾ - 6¾" tall. Fine / Fine. Item #010647
Full blue paper boards. 192 pp. Bookplate to front pastedown. A few light bumps to dust jacket, else fine. Caroline Otero was among the most dazzling figures in France between 1889 and 1914, one of those incredible women who symbolized the era known as La Belle Epoque and emerged as one of its most flamboyant characters. At the hight of her fame, or notoriety, this spectacular Spanish dancer was described in the press as 'the most scandalous person since Helen of Troy.' During the 25 years of her reign she enjoyed the patronage of such men as Kaiser Wilhelm II, Edward VII when Prince of Wales and Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia. Of her multitudes of admirers, she reduced some to near ruin, a few to suicide, and many to their knees in proposals of marriage. Several duels were fought over her and, never afraid of violence herself, she even fought one with an actress who ridiculed her. The Great War brought her career to an end just as it also affected many of her European patrons. An era was ended, a way of life destroyed, and with it the fortunes of her lovers and suitors. However, though it may have forced her abdication it did not extinguish her legend.
Price: $40.00