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Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion summary

What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution

4.5 (68 ratings)
32 mins

Brief summary

Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion by Caroline Weber is a fascinating account of how fashion and politics intertwined in the court of Louis XVI and how Marie Antoinette became a style icon and a target for ridicule and criticism.

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    Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion
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    Introduction

    Bedtime Biographies are best when listened to.  Check out the audio version to get the full experience!

     

    How much do you know about Marie Antoinette? You might know that she was a queen of France, famously uninterested in the plight of her people. A figure with immeasurable wealth and power who sat at the top table of an unjust and deeply divided society. And you probably know that it cost her. She died at the hands of revolutionary forces – a victim of the social unrest she’d helped cause. 

    But there is far more to Marie Antoinette than this old story. In this bedtime biography, we’ll try to understand this fascinating Queen of France through another facet: her style. 

    What do royal hairdos and haute couture have to do with one of the most tumultuous periods in history? Quite a bit! So make yourself comfortable, relax, and let’s hear the story of Marie Antoinette, Queen of Fashion.

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    What is Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion about?

    Narrated by Marston York

    Music by Federico Coderoni

    Queen of Fashion (2006) unveils the untold ways in which Marie Antoinette, with her iconoclastic sense of fashion and rebellious nature, challenged the status quo of 18th century French court. Expressing herself through daring originality, her story reveals a great deal about the revolutionary politics that make up the history of both fashion and France.

    Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion Review

    Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion (2006) is a captivating exploration of the life of Marie Antoinette, the iconic fashionista and queen of France. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:

    • It offers a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century court life, showcasing the opulence and extravagance of the French royal family.
    • Rich in historical detail and meticulously researched, it sheds light on the influence of Marie Antoinette's fashion choices and their impact on society.
    • With its engaging storytelling and colorful anecdotes, it brings the world of Marie Antoinette to life, making history come alive in an entertaining way.

    Who should read Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion?

    • Fashionistas wanting to know more about the link between power and clothing
    • Francophiles obsessed with Marie Antoinette
    • History students interested in the French Revolution

    About the Author

    Caroline Weber is a specialist on eighteenth-century French culture. Before she became an associate professor of French and Comparative Literature at Columbia University’s Barnard College, she taught at the University of Pennsylvania and Yale University. Her writing has appeared in Vogue, Bookforum, the Washington Post and the New York Times

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    Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion FAQs 

    What is the main message of Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion?

    The main message of Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion is a captivating look into the life of a fashion icon.

    How long does it take to read Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion?

    The reading time for Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion varies depending on the reader. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion is worth reading for anyone with an interest in fashion. It offers an insightful glimpse into the life of a style icon.

    Who is the author of Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion?

    The author of Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion is Caroline Weber.

    What to read after Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Bedtime Biography: Queen of Fashion, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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