A forgotten hero who was able to accomplish much given the restraints of the period she lived in.
Shamefully wealthy she used her wealth, wit, and beauty to accomplish her goals and for the ultimate betterment of womankind. This book reads like a who's who of 18th century Europe but still manages to be entertaining with the acquisition of Elgin Marbles only a chapter or two of Lady Elgin's life. Incidentally, it was her money and her fortitude which brought the Marbles to the UK. Also it is interesting to note taking the marbles from Greece was as controversial then as it is now.

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Charming, simply charming.

There are two points that I didn't like. One, is very minor and really only means something to someone that is highly tuned to architectural history. The other, however, I would have liked more information on. She contends that Robert the Bruce was a descendant of someone that came over with William the Conqueror. Because I am not a Scottish history person, I would like to have know that familial line. She did not provide that and so, I feel like it is just conjecture.

However, if you put those two points aside, you will find a wonderfully written book that pulls you into the story line of subject. I did not cry, but I almost did. I felt compelled for the heroine, and did not like the first husband, and fell in love with the second. So, it was indeed worth the read.

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It read like a textbook. I found the story lost in the historical detail to a point that I didn't finish the book.

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