A Dazzling Life in Print and Society
Mrs. Frank Leslie was not your ordinary 19th-century woman. She was a force—a brilliant mix of high society glamour and sharp business acumen. Draped in diamonds and commanding a powerful presence, she revolutionized the publishing world with one audacious move.
From her early days on stage with Lola Montez to the shocking twists in her personal life—marrying four times, including a rather ill-fated union with Oscar Wilde’s brother—Mrs. Leslie’s story is packed with scandal, ambition, and success.
Madeleine B. Stern masterfully captures her larger-than-life journey in Purple Passage, revealing the drama, grit, and undeniable impact of a woman who defied convention.
Specifications:
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Title: Purple Passage: The Life of Mrs. Frank Leslie
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Author: Madeleine B. Stern
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Publication Date: 1953
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Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
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Format: Hardcover
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Genre: Biography, History, Women’s Studies
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Pages: 281
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Dimensions: 9x6x1
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Language: English
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Condition: Wear on dust jacket, writing in pencil as shown in the photos.
About the Author: Madeleine B. Stern
Madeleine Bettina Stern was a distinguished scholar and rare book dealer known for her meticulous research and literary insight. A graduate of Barnard College and Columbia University, she became an authority on Louisa May Alcott and was celebrated for uncovering Alcott’s pseudonymous thrillers.
Stern’s passion for history and biography shines in her exploration of figures like Mrs. Frank Leslie, ensuring their legacies remain vivid for modern readers.
A Story Too Bold to Be Forgotten
This biography isn't just history—it’s a thrilling ride through the life of an unstoppable woman. If you love tales of ambition, intrigue, and the power of the press, Purple Passage is a must-read. Whether you're fascinated by 19th-century publishing or simply enjoy a compelling life story, this book will leave you in awe of Mrs. Frank Leslie’s indomitable spirit.
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