A Scented Palace: The Secret History of Marie Antoinette's Perfumer (Hardcover)
Description
This book offers a new look at the world of Marie Antoinette through the story of her personal and exclusive perfumer, Jean-Louis Fargeon. Jean-Louis served Marie for fourteen years until 1789 when the Revolution swept across France, its wrath aimed at the extravagances of the Royal Court and those who served it. Fargeon, a lifelong supporter of the Republican cause but a purveyor to the court, was in a dangerous position. Yet he remained fiercely loyal to Marie Antoinette, beyond her desperate flight to Varennes, her execution and even through his own imprisonment and trial. A Scented Palace is a wonderful window into the world of France during its most brutal and violent days.
About the Author
Elisabeth de Feydeau studied the history of perfume at the Sorbonne. She is a professor of the Versailles School of Perfumers and cultural adviser to France's great perfume houses, including Chanel and Guerlain. She was awarded the Prix Guerlain for this book.
Praise for A Scented Palace: The Secret History of Marie Antoinette's Perfumer…
"An entrancing biography"--Elle (France) 6 Page illustrated feature on the book, including front cover picture.--The Times Magazine, August 5, 2006 "Interesting and well-written."--French Magazine, Augsust, 2006 "De Feydeau's lively account gives the reader an additional twist on the life and times of Marie Antoinette and her influence on two of France's continuing major industries- fashion and scent." --The Washington Times "Rhapsodic and piquant...full of information." --The New York Review of Books
