A Brief History of Cougars

Sidonie Gabrielle Colette
Imagno / Austrian Archives / Getty

Life Imitating Art
Sidonie Gabrielle Colette's 1920 novel Cheri traces the affair of Lea de Lonval, 49, and her 25-year-old lover. Colette's own life would take on a similar story line a few years later when the writer found herself caught up with a man 30 years her junior.

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