Revealing biography uses letters, previously secret government documents, law reports, and other primary sources to share a fascinating life. Harriette Wilson [1786-1845] was a sought-after courtesan by the age of 15. She consorted with Prime Ministers, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Wellington and other powerful men as well as the dandies of Mayfair. She was known as much for her wit as her beauty. When she wasn't paid, she threatened to expose them all, and with the resulting Memoirs (1825) she got revenge. 37 plates in colour, 26 illustrations in the text. With index, bibliography and notes. London, 2003. Hb, dj. USED. $12.00