This first ever biography of the highly mythologized Gypsy Rose Lee examines the struggles Lee faced in making a lucrative and unconventional career for herself while maintaining a sense of dignity and social value. In addition to her highly successful strip-tease act and film career, she published two mystery novels and a memoir, wrote two plays, and showed her original artwork in famed Modern Art-impresario Peggy Guggenheim's gallery. Though she wasn't above using her femininity to full advantage, Lee aspired to much more than admiration for her physical beauty.