Book News

Book News Week 44

*contains affiliate links* Book News Week 44 – 26 October – 1 November 2026 Cleopatra: A Woman of Power  Hardcover – 27 October 2026 (US & UK) Queen Elizabeth I’s Governess: The Real Kat Ashley  Kindle – 30 October 2026 (US) Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan Paperback – 27 October 2026 (US) [read more]
China

Imperial Consort Lu Meiniang – The Imperial Consort who was revered as a goddess

Imperial Consort Lu Meiniang was an imperial consort to both Emperor Shunzong and Emperor Xianzong of the Tang Dynasty.[1] She was most well-known for her remarkable textile skills.[2] Imperial Consort  Lu Meiniang was given the name of the Divine Maiden.[3] She was later allowed to leave the imperial harem to become a Daoist nun.[4] In 792, Imperial [read more]
Royal Jewels

The Mellerio Shell Tiara

The Mellerio Shell Tiara was bought in 1868 by Queen Isabella II of Spain. It was created in 1867 and bought by Queen Isabella as a wedding present for her eldest daughter. Infanta Isabella married Prince Gaetan, Count of Girgenti, the third surviving son of King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies. The tiara was [read more]
China

Imperial Consort Dou Guiniang – The Imperial Consort who helped restore Chu under the Tang Empire

Imperial Consort Dou Guiniang was an imperial consort to Li Xilie, who rebelled against the Tang Dynasty.[1] Li Xilie initially proclaimed himself a minor king.[2] He later proclaimed himself Emperor of the state of Chu.[3] Imperial Consort Dou Guiniang helped restore the state of Chu under Tang Dynasty rule.[4] The birth date of Imperial Consort Dou [read more]