PDF Marie Antoinette's Head: The Royal Hairdresser; The Queen; And The Revolution by Will Bashor in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Leonard and His Magical CombBy Lynn DressbacOh Leonard! The man behind Marie Antoinette's fabulous hairstyles finally gets his spot in the limelight thanks to this enlightening take on the hairdresser's history. As a fan of the French Revolution; I found this intimate take on the events to be both insightful and interesting. Leonard's rise to fame is almost as intriguing as his rising hairstyles; but it is his importance in significant events like the Flight to Varennes and other episodes that I found to be the pinnacle of the book. I loved the inclusion of illustrations and portraits; but if I had to complain; I would say that at times the author jumped around and mentioned significant events in passing. If you are a fan of Marie Antoinette; 18th century fashion or just want to read about a flamboyant hairdresser; this is certainly the book for you!36 of 36 people found the following review helpful. A MASTERFUL STORY OF MARIE ANTOINETTE'S PERSONAL COIFFURE ARTIST THAT YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISSBy CynthiaThis was one of the most interesting and intriguing books that I have read in a very long time. I was not sure before I began this story if it would hold my interest but as I soon found out; this book is written to perfection with as much research done by the author that it seems that no even one small detail has not been told. The author has certainly taken a person that we would probably would not think twice about and did so much background information on him and his life with the Queen that you swear that Leonard Autie had talked directly to the author and told him all of the secrets of this time period. From a hairdresser/hair stylist and basically a fashion expert for a Royal; to what you find out is much MUCH more of a story that you should not miss if you have any interest in France; and the Revolution and also Versailles; Queen Marie Antoinette; or anything pertaining to "hair fashion" during this time. To find out what people went through to be able to have this man do their hair in these elaborate styles was almost unbelievable; With so much documentation provided by the author from all of his varied sources; this book to me is a historical biography but also tends to be a bit of a suspense and mystery when I let myself dig deeper into the events. I truly was engrossed with Will Bashor's writing style and his professional style. I would recommend this book to everyone; even younger adults studying psychology as there are many things to ponder in this book about human nature and the belief that if one person does something strange and odd that others seem to NEED to follow that path as well even in 1769. From the very imaginative front cover on the hardcover copy that I received from winning the book online; there is also a family tree; a map of Paris in the 1770's as well as a list of historical characters and dates; with a brief description of their role and in chronologic order and I definitely enjoyed the color prints that were also in the book. All of this and more summed up how educated the author is and a very good reason for you to get this book as soon as you can. this is a superb book that I am so fortunate to have read and from which I learned so much about this time period. I also will never feel that the word POUF for the style of Autie will ever fully describe his artistic and creative hair masterpieces!!!!! As I final word; I wish to say that In no way did winning this book influence my opinion about this novel and for this review..Cynthia3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A most unusual novel that captures both the reader's attention and imagination!By SueI was intrigued with this novel; based on the true story of the little man; who through luck and ingenuity; became hairdresser to the famous; doomed Queen of France. Through letters and notes in his diary; we learn of the outrageous lives of some of the most powerful nobles of Europe. The huge hairdos that were the very essence of fashion of the rich women of this era could tower three feet in heigth and be filled with ribbons; jewels; model ships; and even small caged birds. One great lady's hairdo actually caught fire! But; amidst all the frantic nights and days of parties and balls; the life of the rich--like their huge; unnatural hairdos--was doomed to 'fall' with the reign of terror that grew into.the French Revolution. What happens to the little hairdresser who tried to serve his queen into the last days that ended in the murder of the great families of France? What makes this book so fascinating is that it is based on the true life of "The Royal Hairdresser of Queen Marie Antoinette of France." Indeed; quite often truth is stranger than fiction!