The Jersey Lily

Description

Discover the life of Lily Langtry

Born Emily Le Breton in Jersey in 1853, married to Edward Langtry at the age of 20, Lillie Langtry was destined to be universally known as Lillie, or 'The Jersey Lillie', the most beautiful woman in the world. She was introduced to the Prince of Wales, presented to Queen Victoria and met Prince Louis of Battenberg by whom, in 1881, she had a daughter.

Her fortunes at a low point and on the advice of her friend Oscar Wilde, Lillie embarked upon an acting career and achieved considerable success. First she took London by storm, then the provinces; this was followed by successful tours of America and South Africa. At the same time she developed an interest in horse racing, owning her own stables.

This fiercly independant woman became a millionairess, relying only upon her own talents, her business acumen and, of course, her legendary beauty. She never forgot her island home: in 1900 she returned to Jersey, amid a rapturous reception, to open the newly built Opera House. She spent the last ten years of her life in Monaco, tending her beloved garden; on her wishes her body was brought back to Jersey to be buried.

Even by the standards of today's superstars, the life of Lillie Langtry was extraordinary. Sonia Hillsdon's faithful account of Lillie's life and times make enthralling reading, offering a genuine insight into the life of a Jersey lady with enormous charisma and of the colourful times in which she lived.