Pamela Harriman: A Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue by Sonia Purnell

📚 Often written off as a mere courtesan and social climber, Pamela Harriman’s true historic legacy has been overshadowed by her glamorous social life and infamous erotic adventures. Much of what she did behind the scenes – on both sides of the Atlantic – remained invisible and secret. During WWII, Churchill’s beloved daughter-in-law became his “secret weapon,” strategically wining, dining, and seducing diplomats and generals to help win over Americans to the British cause against Hitler. After the war, she helped to transform Fiat heir, Gianni Agnelli, into Italy’s ‘uncrowned king’ on the international stage. After helping the Democratic party and an unknown Bill Clinton take the American presidency, she was appointed U.S. Ambassador to France. For five decades Harriman blazed a trail through to the center of political power. In this lecture, investigative journalist and award-winning biographer Sonia Purnell presents an electrifying re-examination of Harriman’s story using new research and previously unknown sources. Telling a tale full of sex and politics; set on yachts and in palaces; and always hallmarked by glamour and luxury, Purnell will unveil for the first time how Harriman left an indelible mark in the heart of world history and politics.

👥 MULTI-CITIES IN-PERSON LECTURES

Alexandria, VA
Thursday, October 3 | 6:15 p.m. (ET)
Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum

Charleston, SC
Tuesday, October 8 | 6:00 p.m. (ET)
Charleston Library Society

Philadelphia, PA
Thursday, October 10 | 6:30 p.m. (ET)
The Union League of Philadelphia

Chicago, IL
Tuesday, Oct 15 | 11:00 a.m. (CT)
Private Women's Club

New York City
Wednesday, October 16 | 6:15 p.m. (ET)
CDA Abigail Adams Smith Auditorium

📀 RENT
October 17 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Rent the recorded lecture to watch at your leisure