Product Description

In this sparkling new vision of the notorious French queen, dynamic young historian Caroline Weber offers a moving reinterpretation of one of history's most controversial figures. Marie Antoinette has always been recognised as a style icon, but none of her biographers has paid sustained attention to her clothes. Drawing on new research to illuminate each phase of the queen's tumultuous life, Weber surveys the 'Revolution in Dress' undertaken by a fourteen-year-old girl accustomed to Austria's more relaxed style, who rebelled against the organ-crushing whalebone corsets and vast hoop skirts of Versailles. She used striking, often extreme costumes to boost her public profile, particularly her trademark pouf hairstyles recreating scenes from military victories. Over time, she began to alienate her subjects with her love of excess, and there was much concern at court when she donned 'unqueenly' attire - the saucy chemise she adopted as the unofficial uniform of her country retreat. The strategy devised to secure her triumphs would ultimately be the cause of her undoing. She approached the guillotine in a plain utilitarian dress, her hair brutally shorn. This stylish, witty and original biography received rapturous reviews on publication in hardback and is now available in B-format paperback. Caroline Weber is a professor at Columbia University, where she specialises in 18th-century French literature and history.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #37175 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 432 pages

Review
"'A marvellous read' Amanda Foreman, author of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire 'A mesmerising portrait' Daily Telegraph 'Witty and brilliantly insightful' Sunday Times 'Fascinating and prodigiously researched' Financial Times 'Wickedly enjoyable' New York Times"

Customer Reviews

A good read!
I bought this book because I wanted to find out more about the life of Marie Antoinette. I had already tried to read Antonia Fraser's book but I just found it difficult to read - the writing was a bit too dry and I just couldn't find myself getting involved with it, and so gave up after the first chapter.
However I thought I'd try this one and I really enjoyed it! The writing was easier to read and I generally enjoyed it more. I found myself reading many chapters at a time rather than struggling to get through one. Also, fashion is one of the reasons I became interested in Marie Antoinette, so to have an in depth look at her fashions and why it contributed to her downfall gave it an appealing twist.
So if you want to find out more about Marie Antoinbette but found Antonia Fraser's account too heavy going, and have an interest in late 18th century fashion I would definitely read this book!

fantastic vision!
A fantastic book, the best way to look at the life of Marie Antoinette! I have read almost every biography about this queen and i advise anyone wanting to know more about her to read this book as it gives informations that are not found anywere else! If you already know the story of Marie Antoinette or if you have already read one of her biographies you must read this one as well...everything will suddenly make more sense!Thank you Caroline Weber!!!!

Fascinating & very readable
A new slant on Marie Antoinette - thoroughly enjoyable and full of fascinating period detail