Denney (art history, women's studies, U. of Wyoming) writes about 3 influential Victorian women, contrasting their activities and reputations with the images presented in painted portraits, photos, satire, group portraits, and other works. The stories of these women, who were suffragists and writers, and the acrimony and approbation they faced in Victorian England are stirring reading. Denney adds nuance to their stories by demonstrating the canniness with which they orchestrated their public images. The volume concludes with a discussion of Oscar Wilde's An ideal husband, which satirized the women Denney has described: Lady Dilke, Sarah Grande, Millicent Garrett Fawcett, and Mary Elizabeth Braddon. The volume is well illustrated in b&w and includes several color plates. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)