This compelling book begins on the 2nd of August 1793; the day Marie Antoinette was torn from her family’s arms and escorted from the Temple to the Conciergerie; a thick-walled fortress turned prison. It was also known as the “waiting room for the guillotine†because prisoners only spent a day or two here before their conviction and subsequent execution. The ex-queen surely knew her days were numbered; but she could never have known that two and a half months would pass before she would finally stand trial and be convicted of the most ungodly charges.Will Bashor traces the final days of the prisoner registered only as Widow Capet; No. 280; a time that was a cruel mixture of grandeur; humiliation; and terror. Marie Antoinette’s reign amidst the splendors of the court of Versailles is a familiar story; but her final imprisonment in a fetid; dank dungeon is a little-known coda to a once-charmed life. Her seventy-six days in this terrifying prison can only be described as the darkest and most horrific of the fallen queen’s life; vividly recaptured in this richly researched history.
#1351314 in Books 2015-08-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.28 x .78 x 6.33l; .0 #File Name: 1442216859202 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Interesting and accessibleBy Myles baerThis is a clear; thoughtful and very readable discussion of one of the most complicated and controversial stews that we have in the world today - the conflict that has arisen from the settlement of the West Bank. Selengut does several things remarkably well. He explains the underpinnings of the settler movement in religious texts and Jewish thought; and traces its history from a fringe to a mainstream movement. He discusses how the settlements are viewed today by various segments of Israeli society; as well as by Jews in the Diaspora; and explores their political; social and religious ramifications for Israelis. He also speculates about the future of the settlements; and to what extent the Israeli-Palistinian conflict surrounding them is capable of resolution.Selengut brings life to his discussion by generously quoting local civic and religious figures; as well as ordinary settlers from across the political and religious spectra.The book is even-handed; if the author has a personal view; he is careful not to convey it to us. "Our Promised Land" is free of academic jargon; accessible to the general reader; and always interesting.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A must read! A book that provides; a ...By CustomerA must read! A book that provides; a layman; insight and historic perspective; into a complex societal issue facing Israel today.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. does not read like a dry textbookBy Dr. Jonathan D. GordonDr. Selengut's well-written book clearly lays out the history of how militant Zionism grew; and what it is today. The narrative presents a compelling; historical context; giving the reader a broad perspective and deep understanding of the roots; growth and importance of the religious Zionist settlement movement. The book is hard to put down; does not read like a dry textbook; but rather puts the reader right there with Professor Selengut in the outposts; fields; roads and towns that are the source of so much controversy as well as danger. He presents a very human and psychological perspective as well; getting into the psyche and religious underpinnings of the leaders and builders of this phenomenon. I highly recommend this work for all readers interested in getting a deep and balanced understanding of this subject matter; whether in a college setting; Government think tank; or at home; simply to expand one's personal horizons. Selengut's writing style is superbly smooth; balanced; fair and objective; as he paints a comprehensive picture of the entire region on his well-researched canvas.
