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Madame De Pompadour: A Review

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Madame de Pompadour (New York Review Classics)

Madame de Pompadour (New York Review Books Classics)

by Nancy Mitford

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	753 KB
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Print length	:	321 pages

Madame de Pompadour was one of the most famous women in 18th-century France. She was the mistress of King Louis XV and one of the most influential figures in French society. Her life was a whirlwind of intrigue, scandal, and luxury, and she left an enduring legacy on French culture.

Nancy Mitford's biography of Pompadour is a classic work that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of this remarkable woman. Mitford paints a vivid portrait of Pompadour, from her humble beginnings to her rise to power and influence. She explores the complex relationship between Pompadour and Louis XV, as well as her influence on French politics, art, and fashion.

Mitford's writing is both engaging and informative. She brings Pompadour to life with a wealth of detail and anecdote, and she provides a nuanced understanding of the complex world in which she lived. Madame de Pompadour is a must-read for anyone interested in French history, 18th-century Europe, or the lives of remarkable women.

The Life of Madame de Pompadour

Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson was born into a humble family in Paris in 1721. Her father was a financier, and her mother was a lady-in-waiting to the Duchess of Orleans. Poisson received a good education and was known for her intelligence and wit. She was also a talented musician and dancer.

In 1741, Poisson married Charles-Guillaume Le Normant d'Étiolles, a wealthy tax collector. The marriage was not a happy one, and Poisson soon began an affair with King Louis XV. The affair caused a scandal, but Louis was besotted with Poisson and created her the Marquise de Pompadour in 1745.

As Pompadour, Poisson became one of the most powerful women in France. She was Louis's closest confidante and advisor, and she played a major role in French politics. Pompadour was also a patron of the arts and sciences, and she helped to fund the careers of many talented artists and intellectuals.

Pompadour died in 1764 at the age of 43. She had been suffering from tuberculosis for several years. Despite her short life, Pompadour left a lasting legacy on French culture. She was a symbol of the Enlightenment, and her influence can be seen in the art, architecture, and fashion of the period.

Nancy Mitford's Biography

Nancy Mitford was a British novelist and biographer. She was born in 1904 to a wealthy aristocratic family. Mitford was educated at home and began writing at a young age. Her first novel, Highland Fling, was published in 1931.

Mitford became famous for her witty and satirical novels, which often poked fun at the upper classes. She was also a talented biographer, and her biographies of Madame de Pompadour and Louis XIV are considered classics.

Mitford's biography of Pompadour was first published in 1954. It was an immediate success, and it has remained in print ever since. The biography is based on extensive research, and Mitford provides a nuanced and insightful portrait of Pompadour. Mitford's writing is both engaging and informative, and she brings Pompadour to life with a wealth of detail and anecdote.

Madame de Pompadour is a must-read for anyone interested in French history, 18th-century Europe, or the lives of remarkable women. Nancy Mitford's biography is a classic work that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the most famous and influential women in French history.

Madame de Pompadour (New York Review Books Classics)

by Nancy Mitford

4.3 out of 5