This is the history of a charismatic woman, Mary Nisbet, countess of Elgin (1778-1855) who together with her husband the seventh Earl of Elgin played a decisive role in getting the Elgin Marbles to England. The divorce of this couple, fine de fleur from Great Britain's aristocracy, made them the talk of the day. Nagel defense of her heroine, sounds almost hagiographic. Allright, it is not the view of an neutral historian. In feminist eyes however, Mary Nisbet made a choice true to herself, being the only one who could decide about her reproductive rights (not wanting to bear more children after a fifth pregnancy) and the defending of her vast properties, being almost the riches woman in Scotland and well aware of the fact that her husband had a hole in his pocket . A point of view from a woman, which in her day, was unheard of. She paid a huge price, but held her head up high. Choosing the parole "living well is the best revenge". Although the book is full of name dropping and is the author rather brief in explaining mayor issues. I found it a enjoyable read. ( )