Two Films to Catch on Netflix

A quick apology for being so quiet lately--I've been especially busy with work and personal issues and I always seem to get "blogger's block" whenever I have too many things to do.

Moving on!

I recently took the plunge and signed up for a free one-month trial of Netflix. I was browsing for some period films to put on my queue and I was pleasantly surprised to find not one, but two Revolutionary-era films that I've been eager to watch. I'm really excited to watch Dangerous Exile, which seems to fit into that particular 1950s "adventure history" niche that is always perfect for an afternoon movie watch.

Dangerous Exile (1957)

Dangerous Exile explores that common "what if" scenario regarding the fate of Louis XVII: what if the young king was spirited out of France after the execution of his parents? In Dangerous Exile, which is based on a novel by Vaughan Wilkins, Louis takes refuge with a couple who do everything they can to protect him from harm.

Orphans of the Storm (1921)

Orphans of the Storm is an epic silent film set during the French Revolution. The film is based on a French play ("Les Deux Orphalines" by Adolphe d'Ennery and Eugène Cormon) which, like the film, tells the story of two orphans who make their way to Paris on the eve of the French Revolution.

Brief Book Recommendations: Marie Antoinette and Fashion

Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution by Caroline Weber

A "fashion biography" of Marie Antoinette, tracing the style and importance of Marie Antoinette's fashion from her early days as an Austrian archduchess to her final days as the dethroned and imprisoned queen of France.

Gazette atours de Marie Antoinette de 1782 from the Réunion des musées nationaux

A set of two connected books: The first (in French) which discusses the role of wardrobe in the lives of Marie Antoinette and other French royalty, in addition to explaining several key and popular styles worn by Marie Antoinette and her court. The second book - a real treasure - is a reproduction of a wardrobe book used by Marie Antoinette in 1782, giving readers an insight into some of the actual fabrics worn by the queen during the early 1780s.

Rose Bertin, the creator of fashion at the court of Marie Antoinette by Émile Langlade

Part biography and part fashion history about Rose Bertin and her influence at Marie Antoinette's court, as well as her changing fortunes during and after the French revolutionary period.

Brief Book Recommendations: Louis XVI

Louis XVI: The Silent King by John Hardman

Louis XVI is frequently portrayed as a weak and lazy king, dominated by his wife and ministers. John Hardman, who has written an earlier biography of Louis XVI, challenges this stereotype by drawing in evidence from Louis XVI's own letters and other contemporary source material. A fresh and important look at Louis XVI.

The King's Trial: Louis XVI vs. The French Revolution by David P. Jordan

An account of the political turmoil behind the trial of Louis XVI which considers the trial and execution of the king and important historical moment, rather than a simple episode of the French Revolution. The 25th anniversary edition provides a new preface which considers new scholarship on the trial and how the trial of Louis XVI fits into contemporary context.

Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette Before the Revolution; Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette During the Revolution by Nesta Webster

A two volume study of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette which primarily seeks to correct the abundance of poor scholarship and myth that surrounds the royal couple. Although Webster occasionally delves into conspiracy theories regarding the Revolution itself, her study of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette is an essential one.

When the King Took Flight by Timothy Tackett

A gripping account of the royal family's flight to Montmedy, which argues that the royal family's flight transformed the popular attitude of the public towards the king and helped pave the way for the Reign of Terror by inflaming fears of foreign invasion and royal conspiracy.

The Deaths of Louis XVI: Regicide and the French Political Imagination by Susan Dunn

The death of Louis XVI inspired a variety of conflicted view and memory: Jacobins viewed his death as the coronation of the people, royalists viewed it as an example of utmost horror. In the 19th century, it was viewed both as martyrdom and an inevitable consequence of the Revolution. Today, Louis XVI's death still inspires a host of reactions and mythology. Dunn examies how the memory of his death has changed over two centuries and how his death (and the French's vision of it) has affected France even today.

Brief Book Recommendations: Caricatures in the French Revolution

The Wicked Queen: The Origins of the Myth of Marie Antoinette by Chantal Thomas

An exploration of how Marie Antoinette's public image transformed from a compassionate angelic dauphine to a bloodthirsty, evil, Austrian monster. Illustrated throughout and includes some translations of printed libels.

Taking Liberties: Satirical Prints of the French Revolution by Jean Paul Pitton

The album for a 1989 French exhibition showcases a wide variety of Satirical Prints from the revolutionary period, featuring illustrations (some in color) and a brief study of revolutionary caricature.

French Caricature and the French Revolution, 1789 - 1799 by James Cuno

A study on French Revolution caricatures, published in conjunction with a 1989 California exhibition on the French Revolution. Illustrations are primarily b&w.

Symbol and Satire in the French Revolution by Ernest F. Henderson

A text heavy work discussing the impact of symbolism and satire, as used in caricatures, during the French Revolution. This book is public domain.

Face a face: French and English caricatures of the French Revolution and its aftermath by James A. Leith

Another book which coincided with a 1989 exhibition, this book is dedicated both to French and English caricatures depicting the French Revolution. A nice comparison of how the French represented themselves and how the English represented the French.

Brief Book Recommendations: The Petit Trianon

Dairy Queens: The Politics of Pastoral Architecture from Catherine de' Medici to Marie-Antoinette by Meredith Martin

Dairy Queens places the pleasure dairies owned French royalty back in their proper historical context by tracing the origins of the pleasure dairy back to early modern France, exploring the social and political ramifications and meanings behind the buildings all the way through Marie Antoinette's infamous Trianon dairies and the place of the pleasure dairy today.

Views and Plans of the Petit Trianon at Versailles by Emmanuel Ducamp

A semi-reproduction of the albums with views and plans of the Petit Trianon that Marie Antoinette had bound and sent to family, friends and other European leaders as gifts.

The Private Realm of Marie Antoinette by Marie-France Boyer

A photo book which documents the private side of Marie Antoinette's realm at the Petit Trianon, featuring a general information about the Trianon and Marie Antoinette's life there, while showcasing the lovely photos of Francois Halard.

The Trianon of Marie Antoinette by Pierre de Nolhac

A wonderful little book about the Petit Trianon written by this master French historian, chock full of interesting information about the fate of the Trianon after the 18th century as well as the lifestyle it harbored in the years before the revolution.

Marie-Antoinette and the Last Garden at Versailles by Christian Duvernois and Francois Halard

The story of Marie Antoinette's private domain as told by garden expert Christian Duvernois, enhanced by Francois Halard's gorgeous and detailed photographs.

Brief Book Recommendations: Madame du Barry

 

Madame du Barry: The Wages of Beauty by Joan Haslip

A brief and sympathetic biography of the infamous last mistress of Louis XV. This work is best used as a character study of du Barry, rather than a strict resource on her life, as Haslip has a tendency to fudge dates/events and does not cite her work.

Du Barry: A Biography by Stanley Loomis

A sympathetic biography of Jeanne Bécu, the comtesse du Barry, which primarily hopes to correct some of the myths and misconceptions about the life of this infamous courtesan. Although Loomis is definitely biased in favor of Madame du Barry, his work on her life is more reliable than the other readly available English biography by Haslip.

Merry Antoinette: A Marie Antoinette Gift Guide for 2011

"Merry" Antoinette: A Marie Antoinette Christmas Guide Guide for 2011 

Christmas is the season for gifts and giving, and what better gift for that special 18th century history lover than a little bit of Marie Antoinette?

I had so much fun putting together a Marie Antoinette Christmas gift guide last year that there was no question of doing another Christmas post with plenty of Marie Antoinette Christmas gifts for your friends, family, and hey, maybe even a little something for yourself!

NOTE: The stars are not with me today! I was proofreading this guide when I discovered that the Chateau de Versailles boutique is shutting its online doors until the new year, when it will be re-opened. I apologize for this inconvenience.

Home Decor and Accessories

Marie Antoinette's private rooms were her sanctuary, a place to retreat with her favorites from the exhaustive court at Versailles. Why not spice up your own sanctuary with some home accessories fit for the queen?

 Jules Pansu designed this lovely brown cushion cover to reflect the personality of Marie Antoinette through its warm colors, elegant style, and bold use of one of her monograms contrasted by a feminine red.  If you're in the mood for something a little more subtle, this floral cushion cover from the Boutiques de Musees bears the design of one of the wall hangings set in the Queen's Bedroom at the chateau de Fontainebleau. And what living sofa or bed would be complete without a monogrammed cushion inspired by floral detail from Marie Antoinette's own headboard?

But maybe you're looking for a Marie Antoinette home accessory gift that is more functional. Look no further than these practical but still pretty gifts.

 

Marie Antoinette loved to entertain, although she never had to worry about the effects of soda cans set on her fine tables! You can be both stylish and reassured with these charming Marie Antoinette inspired cork coasters.Both can be purchased at the Boutiques de Musees.

Jean-Michel Bouleau's exclusive collection for the Chateau de Versailles boutique includes an abundance of beautiful and useful Marie Antoinette monogram inspired items.  My favorites in the line include this strikingly pink Marie Antoinette umbrella, which will really make a splash (no rain pun intended!) with its bold colors and fine detail. You can brighten up your kitchen with a fully usable pink Marie Antoinette tea towel. And this Marie Antoinette mouse pad will add that perfect touch of Marie Antoinette to your computer area with its simple monogrammed design.

Candles make wonderful ambiance for any home. These candles are sure to add a little of Versailles to your own chateau.

An elegant Trudon candle, directly inspired by a bust of Marie Antoinette, would make a perfect display for the holidays or a private party. Or why not try this striking scented candle, accented in gold with the main gates of Versailles? As an added bonus, it's scent is orange blossom, one of the favored perfumes of the French court. This porcelain candle is directly inspired by the designs used in one of Marie Antoinette's travel kits, and features a gold and floral pattern complete with the queen's elegant monogram.

Fashion and Fashion Accessories

Marie Antoinette's name will be forever intertwined with that of fashion, and there are countless fashionable Marie Antoinette items that make perfect gifts for that special someone. Jewelry, purses, and even dresses are just some of the gifts to choose from this holiday season.

If you want to get a little scandalous, why not gift a piece of jewelry inspired by something infamous? The "Queen's Necklace" line developed by the Grand Palais features several jewelry pieces inspired by the scandalous diamond necklace from The Diamond Necklace Affair. The pieces, which include a bracelet, a brooch and understated version of the necklace itself, are made from silvered brass wire, simulation gemstones, and pearls.

Carry the queen with you when you use this chic Marie Antoinette purse designed by Jules Pansu and matching carry bag. Both feature the white monogram of the queen on an elegant brown and red fabric background. And this black and white matching porcelain necklace will complete any queen-inspired look!

"The Trianon Gown" by vivelareine on Etsy is a wonderful and yet affordable dress inspired by the light, loose gowns favored by Marie Antoinette at her private retreat. Redthreaded on Etsy offers her own lovely take on the chemise gown, and offers alterations and custom features at an additional price. If you're shopping for a younger loved one, they're sure to love this pretty take on an 18th century gown by bonnybluearts on Etsy.

Bath & Beauty

Marie Antoinette loved to bathe, and often enhanced her baths with a variety of perfumed concotions. She, like most upper class women of her time, was also a frequent buyer of perfumes and perfumed goods. Treat yourself or a friend this year with these wonderful scents and bath treats!

With a name like Rose Queen, how can anyone resist? This new LUSH bath bomb is packed with beautiful rose petals and releases a rich floral fragrance in the water. If you're looking for perfume, LUSH carries an affordable solid Orange Blossom perfume stick. Orange blossom was one of Marie Antoinette's favored scents, and among the more popular scents at the court of Versailles. Marie Antoinette also enjoyed hints of vanilla in her perfumes, and this LUSH Vanilla puff dusting powder is a fun way to keep your skin soft and smelling sweet.

Lubin's Black Jade claims to be the revived formula of one of Marie Antoinete's perfumes, hidden away by Pierre Lubin, an apprentice to Marie Antoinette's favored perfumer, Jean-Louis Fargeon. Whether or not this tale is true, Black Jade is a rich perfume fit for royalty, and a great present for anyone who enjoys a full floral scent.

Books

There are so many books to be read about Marie Antoinette and her world, one could write a book solely of recommendations! Since that isn't quite practical, I'll stick to recommending some new books of interest.

The Expert Cook in Enlightenment France by Sean Takats is a new release dedicated to the men and women behind the French cuisine of the 18th century, showing how the cooks behind these meals worked and improved in the world of Enlightenment France. In Dairy Queens: The Politics of Pastoral Architecture from Catherine de Medici to Marie-Antoinette, Meredith Martin discusses the often ignored but essential history behind the royal and aristocratic pleasure dairies of France, providing new insight into Marie Antoinette's maligned Trianon dairy and more. If you're buying for a younger reader, or enjoy youth reads yourself, Marie Antoinette 'Madame Deficit' by Liz Hockinson is an excellent choice filled with interesting illustrations and a balanced look at the queen's life..Juliet Grey's new novel, Becoming Marie Antoinette, is the first in a new trilogy about Marie Antoinette and is an excellent choice for historical fiction readers.

This concludes my 2011 holiday guide! I hope you've found something you or a loved one will enjoy, and Ibe sure to check back for Marie Antoinette book bargains and news in the coming holiday season!