The Life of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France By: Charles Duke Yonge (1812-1891)
The Life of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France by Charles Duke Yonge is a meticulously researched and compelling biography that offers an insightful and detailed account of the infamous queen's tumultuous life. Yonge's writing style is both elegant and informative, making it easy for the reader to immerse themselves in the world of 18th century France. His narrative is well-structured, providing a seamless and comprehensive depiction of Marie Antoinette's rise to power, her troubled reign, and her tragic downfall. What sets this biography apart is the depth of research evident in each chapter. Yonge leaves no stone unturned, meticulously scouring historical documents, letters, and memoirs to provide a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of Marie Antoinette's life. The details he uncovers are truly fascinating, shedding light on the queen's personality, relationships, and the political climate of the time. One of the book's greatest strengths is its portrayal of Marie Antoinette as a complex and multidimensional figure. Yonge counters the popular perception of her as a frivolous and aloof queen by delving into her personal struggles and her genuine desire to be loved and accepted. While not entirely absolving her of the mistakes she made during her reign, Yonge paints a more human and sympathetic portrait of Marie Antoinette. Another commendable aspect of Yonge's work is his ability to contextualize Marie Antoinette's life within the larger historical framework. He provides the reader with a clear understanding of the events leading up to the French Revolution, the role of the monarchy, and the societal tensions that contributed to Marie Antoinette's downfall. This contextualization adds depth and nuance to the biography, allowing readers to grasp the significance of the queen's actions and their impact on the fate of France. However, one critique of the book is its occasional lack of objectivity. Yonge's admiration for Marie Antoinette is apparent throughout the narrative, occasionally overshadowing a more balanced analysis of her actions. While it is understandable to empathize with the queen, a more impartial approach would have enhanced the book's credibility. Overall, The Life of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France is an engrossing and illuminating biography. Charles Duke Yonge's meticulous research, engaging writing style, and ability to provide historical context make this a must-read for anyone interested in the captivating life and times of Marie Antoinette. Despite its occasional lack of objectivity, this biography stands as a valuable contribution to the understanding of a controversial and intriguing historical figure. First Page: [Illustration: Marie Antoinette] THE LIFE OF MARIE ANTOINETTE, QUEEN OF FRANCE. BY CHARLES DUKE YONGE 1876 PREFACE. The principal authorities for the following work are the four volumes of Correspondence published by M. Arneth, and the six volumes published by M. Feuillet de Conches. M. Arneth's two collections[1] contain not only a number of letters which passed between the queen, her mother the Empress queen (Maria Teresa), and her brothers Joseph and Leopold, who successively became emperors after the death of their father; but also a regular series of letters from the imperial embassador at Paris, the Count Mercy d'Argenteau, which may almost be said to form a complete history of the court of France, especially in all the transactions in which Marie Antoinette, whether as dauphiness or queen, was concerned, till the death of Maria Teresa, at Christmas, 1780. The correspondence with her two brothers, the emperors Joseph and Leopold, only ceases with the death of the latter in March, 1792. The collection published by M. Feuillet de Conches[2] has been vehemently attacked, as containing a series of clever forgeries rather than of genuine letters. And there does seem reason to believe that in a few instances, chiefly in the earlier portion of the correspondence, the critical acuteness of the editor was imposed upon, and that some of the letters inserted were not written by the persons alleged to be the authors... Continue reading book >>

The Life of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France By: Charles Duke Yonge (1812-1891)

The Life of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France by Charles Duke Yonge is a meticulously researched and compelling biography that offers an insightful and detailed account of the infamous queen's tumultuous life.

Yonge's writing style is both elegant and informative, making it easy for the reader to immerse themselves in the world of 18th century France. His narrative is well-structured, providing a seamless and comprehensive depiction of Marie Antoinette's rise to power, her troubled reign, and her tragic downfall.

What sets this biography apart is the depth of research evident in each chapter. Yonge leaves no stone unturned, meticulously scouring historical documents, letters, and memoirs to provide a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of Marie Antoinette's life. The details he uncovers are truly fascinating, shedding light on the queen's personality, relationships, and the political climate of the time.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its portrayal of Marie Antoinette as a complex and multidimensional figure. Yonge counters the popular perception of her as a frivolous and aloof queen by delving into her personal struggles and her genuine desire to be loved and accepted. While not entirely absolving her of the mistakes she made during her reign, Yonge paints a more human and sympathetic portrait of Marie Antoinette.

Another commendable aspect of Yonge's work is his ability to contextualize Marie Antoinette's life within the larger historical framework. He provides the reader with a clear understanding of the events leading up to the French Revolution, the role of the monarchy, and the societal tensions that contributed to Marie Antoinette's downfall. This contextualization adds depth and nuance to the biography, allowing readers to grasp the significance of the queen's actions and their impact on the fate of France.

However, one critique of the book is its occasional lack of objectivity. Yonge's admiration for Marie Antoinette is apparent throughout the narrative, occasionally overshadowing a more balanced analysis of her actions. While it is understandable to empathize with the queen, a more impartial approach would have enhanced the book's credibility.

Overall, The Life of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France is an engrossing and illuminating biography. Charles Duke Yonge's meticulous research, engaging writing style, and ability to provide historical context make this a must-read for anyone interested in the captivating life and times of Marie Antoinette. Despite its occasional lack of objectivity, this biography stands as a valuable contribution to the understanding of a controversial and intriguing historical figure.

First Page:

[Illustration: Marie Antoinette]

THE LIFE OF MARIE ANTOINETTE, QUEEN OF FRANCE.

BY CHARLES DUKE YONGE

1876

PREFACE.

The principal authorities for the following work are the four volumes of Correspondence published by M. Arneth, and the six volumes published by M. Feuillet de Conches. M. Arneth's two collections[1] contain not only a number of letters which passed between the queen, her mother the Empress queen (Maria Teresa), and her brothers Joseph and Leopold, who successively became emperors after the death of their father; but also a regular series of letters from the imperial embassador at Paris, the Count Mercy d'Argenteau, which may almost be said to form a complete history of the court of France, especially in all the transactions in which Marie Antoinette, whether as dauphiness or queen, was concerned, till the death of Maria Teresa, at Christmas, 1780. The correspondence with her two brothers, the emperors Joseph and Leopold, only ceases with the death of the latter in March, 1792.

The collection published by M. Feuillet de Conches[2] has been vehemently attacked, as containing a series of clever forgeries rather than of genuine letters. And there does seem reason to believe that in a few instances, chiefly in the earlier portion of the correspondence, the critical acuteness of the editor was imposed upon, and that some of the letters inserted were not written by the persons alleged to be the authors... Continue reading book >>

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