The Duchess by Amanda Foreman

This book was originally called "Georgiana" but when a movie with Keira Knightley in it came out about Duchess Georgiana of Devonshire, the book's title was changed which probably led to it getting a lot more sales, which I would say it definitely deserves.
Georgiana Spencer (1757-1806) was definitely a revolutionary woman of her time, one of the first women to participate in a political campaign in England, and a product of a loveless marriage (making her Georgiana Cavendish), and an easily addictive personality. She was also notably, Diana Spencer's ancestor.
The Duchess outlines the life of Georgiana and also details political events of the time, such as the rise and rapid fall of the "Whigs", and the crazy illnesses that plagued the King Charles III at a time when the monarchy still had the power to make or break a political agreement, as well as the Prince who deliberately went against everything his father wished so therefore became a Whig.
The thing that impressed me so much was not only the dramatic insight into Georgiana's gambling addiction, and the loveless (but not nasty) marriage which led her to have several affairs, most notably with Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey. Foreman's tremendous understanding of Georgiana's personality allowed a further understanding of what women at the time went through, although perhaps on a lesser scale. The letters which Foreman had gotten hold of also gave her credibility as not only an enticing author but also an incredible historian.
I would read this book again, not only as what I feel is an important lesson of the life of women in a time I did not know much about but also as an illustration of what was an early form of feminism, even if it was used wrongly by the press.
I would highly recommend this to anyone but only if you are interested in history and accurate portrayals.
Also unlike Keira Knightley and as was popular at the time from portraits at the time it is likely that Georgiana Cavendish was actually a rather voluptuous woman.