Sheila: The Australian Beauty Who Bewitched British Society

Shewedded earls and barons, befriended literary figures and movie stars, bedded a future king, was feted by London and New York society for 40 years, and died a Russian princess

As a child Sheila Chisholm chased kangaroos on horseback and swam with sharks at Bondi Beach. As a young woman shenursedsoldiers wounded at Gallipoli, married an English lord, became adarlingof London society, and had an affair with Bertie, the futureKing of England. By the age of 30 Sheila had captivated America, leaving Hollywood and the high society of New York and Florida smitten by her charm and grace. She was courted by Rudolph Valentino and Vincent Astor among others, was a confidante of the Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton, and a close friendof the Kennedys, the Vanderbilts, and the society hostess Elsie Maxwell. Her showbizcircleincluded Sophie Tucker, Charlie Chaplin, Fred and Adele Astaire, and Douglas Fairbanks. Who was this remarkable woman who was so warmly welcomed into the palaces, mansions, and clubs of the elite? Filled with scandalous revelations, "Sheila "is essential reading."