Ninon de lenclos pronunciation

Perhaps the most famous of French 17th-century courtesans, who enticed clients and lovers with an irresistible mixture of wit, charm and intellect, struggling throughout to gain financial independence and overcome the social stigmatism attached to her nonconformist lifestyle. Name variations: true first name "Anne" but usually called "Ninon"; last name sometimes given as "L'Enclos" or "Lanclos," the historically correct spelling. Pronunciation: nee-NÕ duh lã-KLO. Born Anne de Lanclos on January 9, , in Paris, France (some sources erroneously cite November 11, ); died in Paris on October 17, ; daughter of Henri de Lanclos (a minor nobleman) and Marie-Barbe de la Marche; given some education at home by her father, but largely self-taught; never married; children: (with Louis de Mornay, marquis de Villarceaux) a son, Louis de Mornay (–), later chevalier de La Boissière.

Forced by unfortunate circumstances into prostitution, moved from lover to lover until