Lesley Blanch était une érudite romantique qui a influencé des générations d'écrivains et de lecteurs par ses récits captivants. Elle a été pionnière dans une forme distinctive de biographie de groupe, se concentrant sur des femmes qui ont défié les conventions et recherché l'aventure en Orient. Blanch possédait une profonde compréhension du Moyen-Orient et d'autres régions, capturant l'essence de lieux avant que les conflits modernes n'en altèrent le caractère. Son œuvre offre une perspective unique sur le lien entre l'Orient et l'Occident, célébrant l'indépendance et l'attrait de rivages lointains.
L'auteur suit Loti dans sa vie d'homme de lettres et d'officier de marine. Un tour du monde imprégné de sensualité et de romantisme. L'édition française est allégée de précisions destinées au public anglophone, et enrichie de citations plus amples de textes de Loti. Bonne accessibilité
The story of a fascinating, bohemian - and, at times outrageous - life that spanned the twentieth century - the perfect book for fans of the Mitfords.
A woman travels to Siberia to find a lover from her youth who told her Russian fairytales.
Takes the reader on a journey to the settings where lovers have come together for a moment, a night or a lifetime. Chosen from those places in her travels where she has come upon a story that has fired the imagination, the author writes of Nelson and Lady Hamilton's affair conducted in a modest house near Wimbledon.
A chance encounter with a mysterious traveler ignites Lesley Blanch's lifelong fascination with Russia, leading to a transformative love affair that shapes her journey through the culture and landscapes of the country. Her memoir intertwines travel experiences and romantic escapades, depicting adventures from Paris to Siberia, all while exploring the enchanting allure of Russian fairy tales and traditions. Blanch's narrative captures the intoxicating blend of love and discovery, offering a vivid glimpse into her captivating world.
... recounts the ... lives of four European women who, for different reasons, gravitated to the wildness of the Middle East and North Africa.
The biography explores the lives of four remarkable European women in the 19th century who sought adventure and love in Arabia. Isabel Burton accompanied her explorer husband, while Jane Digby embraced a life of romantic escapades. Aimee Dubucq de Rivery's tale involves being captured by pirates and joining a sultan's harem, and Isabelle Eberhardt defied gender norms by living as a man among Algerian Arabs. Lesley Blanch's narrative captures their journeys of self-discovery and the allure of the exotic East.
Set against the backdrop of Regency England, this work delves into the life of Harriette Wilson, the era's most prominent courtesan. Known for her beauty, style, and sharp wit, Wilson navigated a world of privilege, blackmailing the aristocracy through her memoirs to secure her financial future. The novella-length introduction by Lesley Blanch offers rich portraits of society's eccentric characters, blending meticulous historical detail with engaging narrative. It serves as a corrective to simplistic views of Regency society, highlighting its complexities and scandals.
A charming selection of writings by a twentieth century luminary. This selection of Lesley Blanch's early journalism, essays and travelling tales forms a brilliant sequel to On the Wilder Shores of Love.
