Beautiful For Ever by Helen Rappaport

[Violet]

I just finished reading Beautiful For Ever: Madame Rachel of Bond Street - Cosmetician, Con-Artist and Blackmailer by Helen Rappaport and I really loved it.

The book tells the (true) story of the infamous Madame Rachel, a woman who started out in the slums of Victorian London and who eventually ended up with a popular beauty shop on New Bond Street and an impressive list of wealthy customers. The book charts the rise and fall of this extraordinary woman and the ugliness at the heart of her beauty business which involved exploiting some of the more desperate and naive ladies of Victorian society.

I found the book absolutely fascinating. It is well researched and beautifully written. If you are interested in history, the Victorian Era, London, cosmetics and beauty, or if you just enjoy being engrossed in a good book, then I think you will really enjoy this one. The book is a riveting read from start to finish.

I learnt so much from this fabulous book. I have always adored London and had read about Millbank prison before but until I read this book I was unaware that this notorious prison was actually located where the Tate Britain now stands.

The book also includes a small section of wonderful photographs.

Having enjoyed this book so much, I am about to start reading Helen Rappaport's book about Victoria and Albert, Magnificent Obsession.

[Mrs Vindecco]

This sounds like a fascinating read. I am intrigued by the cover alone. What inspired you to initially read it?

[Violet]

We were in Hatchards, Piccadilly, he was looking for Wodehouse hard backs and I noticed the gorgeous cover to this book. After reading the back cover and the first couple of pages there was no way I could put it back. I've always been interested in the Victorian Era and loved that the book was factual.

I have to gush about Hatchards here as it is the most incredible book store. It's the oldest book store in London, dating back to 1797, apparently Oscar Wilde and Lord Byron used to shop there which just blows my mind. They have an incredible selection of books, including many signed editions, and lovely employees. It's one of my favourite stores in the world. OK, finished raving now.

[Mrs Vindecco]

Where exactly is Hatchards in Picadilly? I don't think I'll be visiting London anytime soon, but next time I'm down that neck of the woods I shall definately check it out.

I have a list of books I need to get through, but I think I shall check out this one. I realised the lady on the cover is actually the same image that is on a large bar mirror my parents own.

I am very interested in Ye Olde London and have a fantastic book full of Victorian London photos in 3-D. Also, as a fan of Vintage fashions, this sounds like my cup of tea.

[Violet]

Hatchards is right next door to Fortnum and Mason's and across the street from the wonderful Royal Academy of Arts. If you head down the street towards Piccadilly Circus, on the same side of the street there is a huge Waterstone's too. Piccadilly is a brilliant area for fans of history and books. I confess that I purchase most of my books from Amazon due to the huge savings to be made but if I'm going to London I'll wait and purchase some from my list there.

Hatchards often has exciting guests doing signings. I bought a signed copy of Michael Palin's latest book as I'm a big fan of his. Some signed first editions are available from their website.

www.hatchards.co.uk


Oh, that mirror sounds so nice, it's such a pretty image! I think (I hope) you will really like this book.

Your book with the photo's sound fab!
I bought him a book, 'Panoramas of Lost London', last year as part of his Xmas present. He adores it and says this year he wants a magnifying glass so he can see more of the detail in the shop windows etc. It's a really gorgeous book filled with fascinating photos taken between 1870 - 1945.