The Life of Mary Nisbet, Countess of Elgin: Biography of the Mistress of the Elgin Marbles | Historical Nonfiction, British Aristocracy, Art History | Perfect for Book Clubs & History Enthusiasts

An amazing life story, intriguing, exciting and packed with factual information (, documented by letters and references), the storyof the Countess of Elgin reads like a piece of fiction--except it is as true as the author could make it with materials available. I had no idea I would be so thrilled with this book when I ordered it but it has to be the most exceptional and factual account of a female aristocrat of her times that I have had the pleasure to read. I am so glad that Susan Nagel took it upon herself to search out this story and that she presented it as she did, giving a portrait not just of Countess Elgin but also details of her adventures and the times she lived in. Mary Nisbet was a most modern woman, one buried in the annals of history and really not encountered much or by many in other histories. She may have been only remembered by some for "the scandal of her divorce", in itself a very unusual action for her social class but there was so much more to her as an individual--intelligent, progressive and bold . I strongly recommend this book to those that want to get a real understanding of the reality and restrictions embraced by the social structures of European and British history--and the adventures to which some women were exposed during Continental travel in the "best" of society.