Memoirs of Madame de Montespan   By: Françoise-Athénaïs de Rochechouart de Mortemart Montespan (1641-1707)

Memoirs of Madame de Montespan provides a fascinating insight into the life of one of the most famous mistresses of Louis XIV. Françoise-Athénaïs de Rochechouart de Mortemart Montespan's candid account of her time at court reveals the complexities of her relationship with the king and the challenges she faced as a woman in a position of power.

The memoir is beautifully written and offers a rare glimpse into the scandals and intrigues of the French court during the 17th century. Montespan's keen observations and sharp wit make for a compelling read, as she navigates the treacherous waters of court politics and the jealousies of her rivals.

Despite her controversial reputation, Montespan emerges as a sympathetic figure in her memoir, grappling with the moral dilemmas of her choices and the consequences of her actions. Her candid reflections on love, power, and ambition make for a thought-provoking read that is sure to captivate readers interested in history and the lives of extraordinary women.

Overall, Memoirs of Madame de Montespan is a gripping and engaging account of a remarkable woman's journey through the glittering world of the French court. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of France and the fascinating lives of its most infamous figures.

First Page:

Historians have, on the whole, dealt somewhat harshly with the fascinating Madame de Montespan, perhaps taking their impressions from the judgments, often narrow and malicious, of her contemporaries. To help us to get a fairer estimate, her own "Memoirs," written by herself, and now first given to readers in an English dress, should surely serve. Avowedly compiled in a vague, desultory way, with no particular regard to chronological sequence, these random recollections should interest us, in the first place, as a piece of unconscious self portraiture... Continue reading book >>