Leigh Eduardo is a writer and historian whose research for Mistresses has taken him all over the world. Originally educated at Durham University and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he enjoyed a successful theatrical career for two decades before devoting himself to writing. Over the years, he has won numerous awards for his fiction, poetry and travel-writing.

Mistresses is a collection of highly entertaining mini-biographies of eight women from the last 300 years who have used their sexuality to procure power and, in some cases, great wealth. From Charles II's favourite mistress, Barbara Villiers, to the fabulous La Belle Otero, and including, amongst others, Emma Hamilton, Lola Montez, George Sand, Eva Braun and Marion Davies, Mistresses is a fascinating exploration of these remarkable women's courage and ambition. Packed full of gossipy anecdotes, this is popular history at its sparkling best.