Brian O'Doherty

The Crossdresser'S Secret Brian O'Doherty

Sometimes truth is both stranger and more delightfully entertaining than fiction.
The 18th century was an era of violent contrasts and radical change, intellectual
brilliance and war, spies and diplomatic intrigue, elegance and cruelty. One of
the century s most mysterious figures was the Chevalier d Eon, one of history s
first known transvestites who lived as both man and woman. The noble-born
d Eon served as a spy for the French government, infiltrating the Russian court
as a maid of honor to the empress. He became so well known for his activities
that he lived the last 30 years of his life openly as a woman (and a European
celebrity). Written from the perspective of this historical figure, this ambitious
novel from much-loved conceptual artist Brian O Doherty reveals d Eon s
radical modernity, certified by his attitudes to gender and his examination of his
own nature.