Marie Antoinette has remained atop the popular cultural landscape for centuries for the daring in style and fashion that she brought to 18th century France. For the better part of the queen’s reign; one man was entrusted with the sole responsibility of ensuring that her coiffure was at its most ostentatious best. Who was this minister of fashion who wielded such tremendous influence over the queen’s affairs? Winner of the Adele Mellen Prize for Distinguished Scholarship; Marie Antoinette’s Head: The Royal Hairdresser; The Queen; and the Revolution charts the rise of Leonard Autie from humble origins as a country barber in the south of France to the inventor of the Pouf and premier hairdresser to Queen Marie-Antoinette. By unearthing a variety of sources from the 18th and 19th centuries; including memoirs (including Léonard’s own); court documents; and archived periodicals the author; French History professor and expert Will Bashor; tells Autie’s mostly unknown story. Bashor chronicles Leonard’s story; the role he played in the life of his most famous client; and the chaotic and history-making world in which he rose to prominence. Besides his proximity to the queen; Leonard also had a most fascinating life filled with sex (he was the only man in a female dominated court); seduction; intrigue; espionage; theft; exile; treason; and possibly; execution.
#114311 in Books Liell; Scott 2004-03-03 2004-03-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.37 x .55 x 5.62l; .64 #File Name: 0762418133240 pages
Review
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful. Altered My View of American HistoryBy Gerard D. LaunayA real page turner...I had to read the book in one sitting.Before I purchased "46 Pages"; Thomas Jefferson represented; to me; the voice of American independence. After reading this book; I see that I am wrong. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington would never have been able to persuade the "average colonial American" to break free from England. That required a man who could talk in the language of the street corner radical; who could burst the myth of American's attachment to the crown. That required Thomas Paine. Buy this book and discovery why so.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great ResourceBy Jacqueline KluehI purchased this book to add to my collection of historical references in my home library. I am a graduate student and am researching the American Revolution. I have found this book to be essential in my research. I would highly recommend this book. While it includes Common Sense it also includes a great introduction and analysis.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good starter book for understanding Thomas PaineBy Brad ImwalleVery well-written book. The inclusion of "Common Sense" at the end is especially valuable. The content is solid and interesting but leans a little too much collation of existing info and there isn't so much new research on Paine. You will particularly enjoy the description of Paine's time in England prior to his emigration to the US. Definitely belongs on your bookshelf.
