Histoire de Marie-Antoinette / Nouvelle édition revue et augmentée

Name: Histoire de Marie-Antoinette / Nouvelle édition revue et augmentée
Author: Edmond de Goncourt

By Edmond de Goncourt

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About This Book

The narrative chronicles the life of the queen from her youth and diplomatic marriage into the French court through her tenure at Versailles, focusing on private tastes, the Petit Trianon, and intimate relationships with favorites and attendants. It interleaves social portraiture and political analysis to show how court etiquette, salon culture, and factional intrigues produced rumours and scandals such as the diamond necklace affair. The account follows the revolutionary upheaval that constrained royal authority, describes the failed escape and confinement, and presents correspondence and documents to trace the gradual loss of public support and the queen's ultimate downfall.

About the Author

Edmond de Goncourt

Edmond de Goncourt was a prominent French novelist and critic, known for his contributions to the literary landscape of the 19th century. He often collaborated with his brother, Jules de Goncourt, and together they explored themes of realism and naturalism in their works. One of his notable novels, "Germinie Lacerteux," delves into the complexities of social class and personal tragedy. In addition to fiction, de Goncourt is recognized for his insightful literary journals, which provide a vivid account of the literary scene of his time. His works reflect a keen observation of human nature and society, making him a significant figure in French literature.