Well-behaved women seldom make history. Lola Montez was anything but well-behaved.

Many were enamored by her sparkling blue eyes and midnight black hair, but she was captivated by fame, power and money. In an age where women struggled for equality, she danced to the top where she eventually became the Duchess of Landsfeld.

Inspired by Barbara Tuchman's historical truth-telling style, the author DOV SILVERMAN has worked to tell us about the most fascinating, intelligent and extraordinarily beautiful woman of the 19th century. He believes Lola would have approved.