Mistresses is a collection of highly entertaining mini-biographies of eight women who used their sexuality to procure power and, in some cases, great wealth. It is a fascinating exploration of opportunism, courage and ambition in a world where men held all the cards. As the story of each mistress is described, so the period in which they lived and loved is brought vividly to life. Lady Castlemaine, Emma Hamilton, Lola Montez, George Sand, Madame de Montespan, Marion Davies, Eva Braun, La Belle Otero.