Find Books Author Index Subject Index Title Index Search Site

The Ex-Classics Web Site In Preparation The Art of Fascinating, by Lola Montez Lola Montez was one of the leading courtesans of the 1840's. Her lovers included the King of Bavaria, who was absolutely besotted with her, made her a countess, and in the end abdicated rather than give her up. However, she soon left him and continued her career as a dancer in  England, and later the USA. In her later years she published The Art of Beauty, a manual of dress, hairdressing, cosmetics etc. This included as an appendix Hints to Gentleman on The Art of Fascinating, based presumably on her own experiences of men, and including hilariously satirical recommendations such as  "If you invite a lady to go to the theatre, neglect not to leave her, and go out to drink with your male friends between each act, as this will show her that you have confidence that she can protect herself."   "If you are invited to dine, go at least an hour, or an hour and a half before the time, for then the lady will be sure never to forget you, as the attentive and polite gentleman who allowed her neither time to dress, nor to superintend her dinner." That Rascal Gustave, by Paul de Kock . . . Get another of Paul de Kock's. Nice name he has. . . . I wonder what kind is that book he brought me Sweets of Sin by a gentleman of fashion some other Mr de Kock I suppose the people gave him that nickname going about with his tube from one woman to another . . . -- James Joyce, Ulysses.  Paul de Kock (1793-1871) was a prolific writer of spicy novels, popular both in his native France and in English translation.  That Rascal Gustave (Gustave le mauvais sujet)  is one of his earlier works and an excellent example of his titillating manner.

Extras Latest Additions In preparation Ex-classics at Other Web Sites