Privilege and Scandal: The Remarkable Life of Harriet Spencer, Sister of Georgiana

Historical biographies are usually an acquired taste, but Privilege and Scandal is as delicious as a novel. Beautiful and wealthy, Harriet Spencer is notorious for a life of extravagance in 18th century London society. Some of her more notable exploits include a friendship with Marie Antoinette, million dollar gambling debts, and two secret bastards courtesy of a dashing younger lover, who is inconveniently married to her niece. There's so much drama that Harriet's life feels more like a sophisticated version of The Hills than a history book...and I'm excited to see that Hollywood is making a film on her even more infamous sister: Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire.

This biography reads like a novel. It's obvious that Gleeson adores the character of Harriet Spencer, but she also recognizes her vices that made her the center of scandal. The final sentence of this work is a testament to Harriet's warm and charming character, and also a testament to the qualities Gleeson admires in Harriet and that she feels readers should, too: "Harriet would not have asked for more" (369).