By Julian Robinson for MailOnline. From a courtesan famed for her wealth to a mistress of a future King of England, these are the women who ruled Paris from their bed. Photos show prostitutes who featured in 'The Pretty Women of Paris' - the nineteenth century directory for the French capital's best courtesans and brothels.
Published in and limited to copies, the notorious guide listed the names of the city's most famous scarlet women - along with their addresses, qualities and faults. The handbook - which was aimed at visiting English gentlemen in Paris - meticulously described the sexual specialities and background of every prostitute.
Pictured in the collection is famed Parisian prostitute, Jeanne Granier right, in , and left, in whose besotted lovers are said to have included Queen Victoria's eldest son and future king of England, Edward VII. However back in Paris, Granier would entertain wealthy male clients and other European princes in her opulent private house in the Avenue de Wagram.
The collection also includes celebrated courtesan, Gabrielle Elluini. Henriette de Barras left, in was described in the Pretty Women of Paris pamphlet as 'one of the daintiest little creatures in Paris, with a wasp-like waist that she contrives to make smaller still with tight lacing; a plump figure; small regular features and a most candid, innocent manner of speaking'.
Maria Legault right, in was said to be willing to entertain clients together with sister Angele 'if sufficient offers are made'. The guide added that 'the hungry customer may strike a bargain for the pair, and be comfortably sandwiched between two blonde firm-fleshed beauties, who are about 25 years old'. Marie Folliot pictured in about was listed as living at 9 rue de L'I'sly in Paris.
