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Memoirs of the Court of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, Volume 5 Being the Historic Memoirs of Madam Campan, First Lady in Waiting to the Queen   By: (1752-1822)

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Memoirs of the Court of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, Volume 5 is a fascinating and revealing account of life at the royal court during one of the most tumultuous periods in French history. Written by Madam Campan, who served as the Queen's First Lady in Waiting, this memoir provides a firsthand look at the daily lives, political intrigues, and personal relationships of the royal family and their courtiers.

Campan's writing is engaging and compelling, bringing to life the opulence and extravagance of court life, as well as the underlying tensions and rivalries that ultimately led to the downfall of the monarchy. Her vivid descriptions of Marie Antoinette and the other members of the royal family offer readers a unique perspective on these historical figures, shedding light on their personalities and motivations.

One of the most striking aspects of this memoir is Campan's portrayal of Marie Antoinette as a complex and misunderstood figure. Through her intimate knowledge of the Queen, Campan challenges the popular narratives of Marie Antoinette as a frivolous and extravagant woman, instead presenting a more nuanced and sympathetic portrait of a woman caught in the midst of political turmoil and personal tragedy.

Overall, Memoirs of the Court of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, Volume 5 is a valuable and insightful read for anyone interested in French history, royal biographies, or the dynamics of court life. Campan's firsthand account offers a unique and compelling perspective on one of the most iconic and controversial queens in history.

First Page:

MEMOIRS OF THE COURT OF MARIE ANTOINETTE,

QUEEN OF FRANCE

Being the Historic Memoirs of Madam Campan,

First Lady in Waiting to the Queen

Volume 5

BOOK 2.

CHAPTER I.

The ever memorable oath of the States General, taken at the Tennis Court of Versailles, was followed by the royal sitting of the 23d of June. In this seance the King declared that the Orders must vote separately, and threatened, if further obstacles were met with, to himself act for the good of the people. The Queen looked on M. Necker's not accompanying the King as treachery or criminal cowardice: she said that he had converted a remedy into poison; that being in full popularity, his audacity, in openly disavowing the step taken by his sovereign, had emboldened the factious, and led away the whole Assembly; and that he was the more culpable inasmuch as he had the evening before given her his word to accompany the King. In vain did M. Necker endeavour to excuse himself by saying that his advice had not been followed.

Soon afterwards the insurrections of the 11th, 12th, and 14th of July [The Bastille was taken on the 14th July, 1789.] opened the disastrous drama with which France was threatened. The massacre of M. de Flesselles and M. de Launay drew bitter tears from the Queen, and the idea that the King had lost such devoted subjects wounded her to the heart... Continue reading book >>


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