She has been known as the "kept woman," the "fancywoman," and the "other woman." The French acknowledge herexistence by remarking, "The chains of marriage are so heavy that it oftentakes three people to carry them." She is Jeanne Antoinette de Pompadour,and Simone de Beauvoir, not to mention Marilyn Monroe and Camilla Parker-Bowles.She is a mistress, and she has been and is very much apart of our humancultural history. But who is she, really? What is the true nature of themistress-lover relationship? How do women experience mistressdom? And where doeslove figure in all of this?
Elizabeth Abbott, who made celibacy sexy in her acclaimed A History ofCelibacy, has the fascinating storehouse of answers in a deliciously richblend of history, personality and cultural study. In a lively and accessiblestyle, History of Mistresses draws intimate portraits of mistressesthroughout history, from Chinese concubines to Europe’s royal mistresses andthe clandestine consorts of (un)celibate clerics. Mobster molls, trophy dollsand modern mistresses are deconstructed, with often surprising results. Beyondthe personalities, some interesting themes emerge: the relationship betweenmistresses of colour and their married men; the coercion of Jewish women duringthe Holocaust; and a contemporary look at today’s "power"mistresses.
From lust to love, from money to power, Abbott’s A History of Mistressesferrets out the motives and morals of these women, carrying the reader along ona journey that is hugely informative and always entertaining.

History Of Mistresses

ABBOTT, Elizabeth

History

HarperCollins, Publishers

She has been known as the "kept woman," the "fancy woman," and the "other woman." The French acknowledge her existence by remarking, "The chains of marriage are so heavy that it often takes three people to carry them." She is Jeanne Antoinette de Pompadour, and Simone de Beauvoir, not to mention Marilyn Monroe and Camilla Parker-Bowles. She is a mistress, and she has been – and is – very much apart of our human cultural history. But who is she, really? What is the true nature of the mistress-lover relationship? How do women experience mistressdom? And where does love figure in all of this?
Elizabeth Abbott, who made celibacy sexy in her acclaimed A History of Celibacy, has the fascinating storehouse of answers in a deliciously rich blend of history, personality and cultural study. In a lively and accessible style, History of Mistresses draws intimate portraits of mistresses throughout history, from Chinese concubines to Europe’s royal mistresses and the clandestine consorts of (un)celibate clerics. Mobster molls, trophy dolls and modern mistresses are deconstructed, with often surprising results. Beyond the personalities, some interesting themes emerge: the relationship between mistresses of colour and their married men; the coercion of Jewish women during the Holocaust; and a contemporary look at today’s "power" mistresses.
From lust to love, from money to power, Abbott’s A History of Mistresses ferrets out the motives and morals of these women, carrying the reader along on a journey that is hugely informative and always entertaining.

Harper-perennial

From the divine to the double standard, from Vestal Virgins to the new Power Virgins, a fascinating, wide-ranging historical exploration of celibacy and celibates.Florence Nightingale was one. So was Sir Isaac Newton. A monk vows to be one. A prisoner is forced to become one. History is full of people who were avowed celibates; contemporary society reflects a renewed interest in celibacy. But what caused'and still causes'people to give up sex, the very thing that has driven, fascinated, troubled and delighted most other people?
In this timely and lively look at celibacy from both a historical and contemporary perspective, Elizabeth Abbott (who has experience in both single and double beds) lays to rest the commonly held view that celibacy is a predominantly religious concept, of little concern to the lay people of the world. As she explains, celibacy is a "timeless, worldwide phenomenon" that transcends history, culture and religion. Celibacy is also a multi-layered phenomenon full of telling and surprising insights into our sexual desires and drives.
From the Vestal Virgins of Greek mythology who were entombed alive if they broke their vows, to the practice of celibacy in order to conserve semen, from celibacy as a guarantee for marriage, to involuntary celibacy among prisoners, eunuchs, the unemployed and the clinically depressed, A History of Celibacy offers an absorbing blend of information and explanation. Abbott puts a human face on celibacy, capturing the anguish of the castrated boy destined for an operatic career, the ecstasy of the woman whose celibacy is rewarded by erotic visions of Christ, and the anger of the bachelor doomed by the surplus of males in contemporary China.
A book that unlocks some fascinating secrets on the state of chastity, A History of Celibacy will provoke discussion among men and women everywhere.

History Of Celibacy

Historical Study & Educational Resources

Recounts the depredations and corruption of the Duvalier regime in Haiti, detailing the excesses of both Papa and Baby Doc Duvalier and the grim state in which they left the country when the regime was finally overthrown

Haiti: The Duvaliers and Their Legacy

Americas

McGraw=Hill

A History of Marriage is a fascinating exploration of how marriage developed, and in light of the forces that continue to shape it, how marriage is likely to look in the future. Elizabeth Abbott, who made celibacy sexy in her acclaimed book A History of Celibacy, offers an absorbing blend of information and explanation. Real-life experiences are presented in their wider historical context: What were a couple's alternatives to staying together? What were the longevity rates and how long was the average marriage until death ended it? What were the differences between the experiences of wealthier and poorer spouses? In a provocative and lively style, Abbott puts a human face on marriage as she explores its nature in the context of love, sex, loyalty, childrearing, shared finances, and social recognition.

History of Marriage

World

Penguin Canada

Celibacy is a worldwide practice that is often adopted, rarely discussed. Now, in Elizabeth Abbott's fascinating and wide-ranging history, it is examined in all its various forms: shaping religious lives, conditioning athletes and shamans, surfacing in classical poetry and camp literature, resonating in the voices of castrati, and permeating ancient mythology. Found in every society of the past, practiced by both the anonymous and the legendary (St. Catherine, Joan of Arc, Leonardo da Vinci, Elizabeth I, Gandhi), celibacy has as many stories as adherents, and Abbott weaves them into a provocative, seamless tapestry that brings history alive.

A History Of Celibacy

Da Capo

Happiness and redemption can be found at both ends of the leash, in all kinds of placesElizabeth Abbott had always been an animal lover, sharing her life with all kinds of dogs in need. But when worlds collided and her beloved dog Tommy was left behind in Haiti, a new journey began—one that would take her to some very surprising places and ultimately teach her some essential truths about the power of hope and redemption.
From the soulless concrete corridors of an American prison to the halls of a Canadian hospital to life among the ruins in post-war Serbia, Abbott meets people whose lives are changed forever by a wagging tail and a pair of soulful eyes—and dogs who find a new lease on life with devoted human companions.
Throughout Dogs and Underdogs, Abbott shares her own incredible and often amusing stories of rescuing dogs in need of shelter, friendship, and love: devoted Tommy, the inspiration who began it all; irrepressible Bonzi, the beagle who charmed his way into prisoners’ hearts; sweet Alice, the little mama who survived a puppy mill to be “mothered” by other dogs; and many more. With wit and passion, Abbott digs down into the deepest roots of the human–animal bond, showing us that together people and dogs can find hope and happiness.

Dogs and Underdogs: Finding Happiness at Both Ends of the Leash

Crafts, Hobbies & Home

Pets & Animal Care

VIKING

Haiti: The Duvaliers & Their Legacy

Touchstone

This surprise bestseller from Canada traces the groups and individuals who are part of a timeless phenomenon that transcends culture and religion. Joan of Arc was one. So was Sir Isaac Newton. A monk vows to be one. A prisoner has no choice. History tells of many avowed celibates, and today's society reflects a renewed interest in celibacy. But what caused -- and still causes -- people to give up sex, the very activity that drives, fascinates, troubles, and delights the rest of us? Elizabeth Abbott's spirited and provocative exploration of celibacy debunks the traditionally held notion that celibacy is a predominantly religious concept of little concern to the secular world. With myriad examples, Abbott's lively history reveals insights not only about our religious practices but also about our sexual desires and changing attitudes toward gender and physical health. From the vestal virgins of ancient Rome, who were entombed alive if they broke their vows, to contemporary athletes, who "conserve semen" to enhance their game, from celibacy as a guarantee for marriage to involuntary celibacy among prisoners, eunuchs, and young women cloistered against their will, Abbott puts a human face on celibacy, capturing the anguish of the castrated boy destined for an operatic career, the ecstasy of the woman whose celibacy is rewarded by visions of Christ, and the anger of the bachelor doomed by the surplus of males in contemporary China. What didn't happen in the bedrooms of history, and why? Through stories of individual lives -- fascinating, vital, and real -- A History of Celibacy tells all.

A History of Celibacy: From Athena to Elizabeth I, Leonardo da Vinci, Florence Nightingale, Gandhi, and Cher

Self-Help

Scribner

Haiti: Duvaliers and Their Legacy

Robert_Hale

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by ABBOTT, Elizabeth. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by ABBOTT, Elizabeth

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by ABBOTT, Elizabeth. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

History Of Mistresses

History Of Mistresses

History Of Celibacy

Haiti: The Duvaliers and Their Legacy

History of Marriage

A History Of Celibacy

Dogs and Underdogs: Finding Happiness at Both Ends of the Leash

Haiti: The Duvaliers & Their Legacy

A History of Celibacy: From Athena to Elizabeth I, Leonardo da Vinci, Florence Nightingale, Gandhi, and Cher

Haiti: Duvaliers and Their Legacy