If you thought that the current obsession with celebrities, fame, riches and glamour was something peculiar to the 21st century, think again. A new book about Emma Hamilton, mistress of Admiral Nelson in the 18th century, disproves the theory.
According to author Kate Williams in her book, England's Mistress, Emma Hamilton was one of the world's first celebrities, living her life in the spotlight. Her image was one of the first ever to be printed on souvenirs sold to the public and her doings were published by in newspapers for a public avid for details of her glamorous existence.
Just like may of today's celebrities, Hamilton was desperate for attention and adulation. She adored being feted and admired and felt she deserved the best of everything - designer clothes, a beautiful home and all the trappings of wealth. Despite her humble origins, she moved with royalty, politicians and the highest of society.
Today's celebrities are more likely to be filmstars, models or singers. But in common with Emma, their lifestyle fuels envy and admiration in their fans. Even those who don't aspire to fame are inspired by the buying habits of the stars. Whether it is their clothes, their car or their elegant homes, most of us are more influenced than we'd like to believe.
Finance figures in the UK show that more and more of us are trying to achieve the lifestyle - or the appearance of it - led by the rich and famous. We want the same plastic surgery, the same makeup, the same jewelry, and increasingly we are buying it on credit.
Whilst everyone can achieve the glamour of the stars if they just try hard enough, don't forget that debt is not a modern phenomenon either: Emma Hamilton fled Britain owing over 7 million in today's money and died a pauper in her 50's - not a lifestyle that many would aspire to. So, just remember; spend and borrow wisely before living well!
According to author Kate Williams in her book, England's Mistress, Emma Hamilton was one of the world's first celebrities, living her life in the spotlight. Her image was one of the first ever to be printed on souvenirs sold to the public and her doings were published by in newspapers for a public avid for details of her glamorous existence.
Just like may of today's celebrities, Hamilton was desperate for attention and adulation. She adored being feted and admired and felt she deserved the best of everything - designer clothes, a beautiful home and all the trappings of wealth. Despite her humble origins, she moved with royalty, politicians and the highest of society.
Today's celebrities are more likely to be filmstars, models or singers. But in common with Emma, their lifestyle fuels envy and admiration in their fans. Even those who don't aspire to fame are inspired by the buying habits of the stars. Whether it is their clothes, their car or their elegant homes, most of us are more influenced than we'd like to believe.
Finance figures in the UK show that more and more of us are trying to achieve the lifestyle - or the appearance of it - led by the rich and famous. We want the same plastic surgery, the same makeup, the same jewelry, and increasingly we are buying it on credit.
Whilst everyone can achieve the glamour of the stars if they just try hard enough, don't forget that debt is not a modern phenomenon either: Emma Hamilton fled Britain owing over 7 million in today's money and died a pauper in her 50's - not a lifestyle that many would aspire to. So, just remember; spend and borrow wisely before living well!
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