Just came across a new book that looks fascinating: The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It by Tilar J. Mazzeo. The book tells the story of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, the woman who made the brand Veuve Clicquot ("veuve" in French, of course, means "widow") a household name and whose vision shaped how the world views champagne today. Defying the traditions of the 18th and 19th centuries, as a young widow Clicquot brought champagne onto the world scene and became a business mogul at a time when women engaging in commerce at any level were scarce indeed.

Check out a great description of the book and more information on the Widow Clicquot at the blog Luxist! And remember, only 36 more shopping days till Christmas: this book would make a great gift for any champagne or wine enthusiast, or history buff.

Of course, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot always makes a great holiday gift itself!