Princess Cristina Belgiojoso [1808-1871] an Italian noblewoman, played a prominent role in the Italian struggle for independence. A shy child, married at 16 (as the richest heiress in Italy), she became known as the "Romantic Muse" due to her beauty, as she hosted her Paris salon. Social reformer, political activist, journalist, and historian, she had impressive influence on her contemporaries, which was later obscured in history books. This riveting biography shows a strong woman bravely claiming her identity in a man's world. Notes, index, bibliography. The University of Chicago Press. 1983. Paper. USED. $5.00