About the Book: Venus of Empire: The Life of Pauline Bonaparte
Celebrated for her beauty and notorious for her passions, Pauline Bonaparte
Borghese was a fascinating woman. Considered by many to be the most beautiful
woman in Europe at the turn of the nineteenth century, she scandalised the
continent with the boldness of her love affairs, her opulent wardrobe and jewels
and, most famously, her decision to pose nearly nude for Antonio Canovas
sculpture. But just as remarkable was Paulines deep loyalty to her brother, the
emperor. She was witness to Napoleons great victories in Italy, and she was
often with him and her rival for his