Article: Britain's first celebrity; Count d'Orsay was an icon in the 19th century, adored by both men and women. Yet a new book reveals that he ran up huge gambling debts and had a reputation for a shocking sex life.

Byline: NICK FOULKES

Celebrity icons reflect the mood of an era. Today, we have David Beckham, a gifted and highly paid footballer who has transcended the boundaries of the sports arena to become the nation's role model: a fashion icon who is both a devoted husband and father, a sex symbol and a gay pinup.

The Eighties and early Nineties were defined by the late Princess of Wales. We loved her for her democratic appeal - she was a fashion leader, an inspiration to oppressed women, a tireless charity worker and seemed to be the perfect mother. The national outpouring of grief at her death was, in itself, an example of our emotionally demonstrative age. ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!