Pub date: available now

Mistresses is a collection of highly-entertaining mini-biographies of eight women from the last 300 years, who used their sexuality to procure power and, in some cases, great wealth.

From Charles II’s favourite mistress, Barbara Villiers, to the fabulous La Belle Otero, and including, amongst others, Emma Hamilton, Lola Montez, George Sand, Eva Braun and Marion Davies. Mistresses is a fascinating exploration of these remarkable women’s courage and ambition. Packed full of gossipy anecdotes, this is popular history at its sparkling best.