An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

475. The French Revolution: Marie Antoinette (Part 1)

July 28, 2024

Description

The French Revolution is one of the great seismic events of global history. A devouring conflagration of bloodshed, violence and utopianism, it changed France and then latterly the whole of Europe...
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Books Referenced

La Reine Scélérate (The Wicked Queen)

Author: Chantal Thomas

Context:

Referenced at the beginning as a biography/account of Marie Antoinette through the eyes of propaganda against her. A passage from it is quoted about revolutionary accusations against Marie Antoinette.

Reflections on the Revolution in France

Author: Edmund Burke

Context:

Mentioned as written in November 1790 by the Irish politician and Whig Edmund Burke, containing his famous passage about seeing Marie Antoinette at court and lamenting the end of chivalry.

The Revolutionary Temper

Author: Robert Darnton

Context:

Explicitly referenced as 'his book' when discussing how pamphleteers and newspapers described Marie Antoinette's appearance in France.

Farewell My Queen

Author: Chantal Thomas

Context:

Mentioned as a novel by Chantal Thomas that was later adapted into a film featuring Diane Kruger as Marie Antoinette.

Citizens

Author: Simon Schama

Context:

Referenced multiple times as a major work on the French Revolution. Praised highly by the hosts as 'insanely enjoyable' and 'brilliant.' Quoted regarding Louis XVI's study and Marie Antoinette's cultural interests.

Marie Antoinette's Head

Author: Will Bashor

Context:

Described as 'an absolutely wonderful book' about Marie Antoinette's hairdresser, Monsieur Léonard.

Marie Antoinette: The Making of a French Queen

Author: John Hardman

Context:

Quoted at the start of a segment discussing Marie Antoinette's dominance over Louis XVI, identified as 'his book.'

Dangerous Liaisons (Les Liaisons dangereuses)

Author: Laclos

Context:

Referenced as 'Laclau's great novel' when discussing the libertine character of the French aristocracy and court, describing themes of aristocrats being cruel and sexually predatory.