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Lesley Blanch

    June 6, 1904 – May 6, 2007

    Lesley Blanch was a scholarly romantic who influenced generations of writers and readers with her compelling narratives. She pioneered a distinctive form of group biography, focusing on women who defied convention and sought adventure in the East. Blanch possessed a keen understanding of the Middle East and other regions, capturing the essence of places before modern conflicts altered their character. Her work offers a unique perspective on bridging East and West, celebrating independence and the allure of distant shores.

    Wilder Shores of Love
    The Wilder Shores of Love
    Journey Into the Mind's Eye: Fragments of an Autobiography
    Pavilions of the Heart
    Journey into the Mind's Eye
    On the Wilder Shores of Love
    • 2018

      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.

      Journey Into the Mind's Eye: Fragments of an Autobiography
    • 2017

      On the Wilder Shores of Love

      • 464 pages
      • 17 hours of reading

      The story of a fascinating, bohemian - and, at times outrageous - life that spanned the twentieth century - the perfect book for fans of the Mitfords.

      On the Wilder Shores of Love
    • 2017

      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.

      Far to Go and Many to Love
    • 2016

      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.

      Regency England Undressed: Harriette Wilson, the Greatest Courtesan of her Age
    • 2010

      Wilder Shores of Love

      • 368 pages
      • 13 hours of reading
      3.5(27)Add rating

      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.

      Wilder Shores of Love
    • 2008

      Pavilions of the Heart

      • 192 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      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.

      Pavilions of the Heart
    • 2002

      The Wilder Shores of Love

      • 332 pages
      • 12 hours of reading
      3.7(235)Add rating

      ... recounts the ... lives of four European women who, for different reasons, gravitated to the wildness of the Middle East and North Africa.

      The Wilder Shores of Love
    • 2001