A biography on one of the world's most intruiging women, legendery mistress of Louis XV.
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Jan 25, 2009
Wealhtheow
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I was intrigued by the strong-willed, highly intelligent Madame de Pompadour in the Doctor Who ep "Girl in the Fireplace." After reading this biography, I can see that the episode got two details right: she was nicknamed Reinette as a child, and upon her death (at age 42!) her lover King Louis XV watched the carriage bearing away her body in the rain from a balcony. Unfortunately, her character was a bit less impressive in reality than in fiction, at least according to Algrant. She
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Aug 22, 2009
Kristy
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A well-written biography on one of history's most famous mistresses. I got interested in Madame de Pompadour after reading Voltaire's dedication to her in Zadig, and Algrant's book paints a well-rounded picture of Louis XV's companion and adviser for twenty years. The last fourth of the book gets a little bogged down in constant battles, broken treaties, promotions, demotions, and the poisonous atmosphere of the French court, but that really is more history's fault than Algrant's. The story of t
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Dec 06, 2011
Brenda
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A biography of Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, Madame de Pompadour, mistress to King Louis XV of France.
Pompadour was a fascinating woman and that only partially comes out in this routine biography. I wanted to find out the facts behind Reinette (little queen), the woman so enchantingly portrayed by Sophia Myles during the David Tennant years of Dr Who.
Though many of her accomplishments are dutifully outlined, it felt as thought the author didn't really think much of her su More...
Pompadour was a fascinating woman and that only partially comes out in this routine biography. I wanted to find out the facts behind Reinette (little queen), the woman so enchantingly portrayed by Sophia Myles during the David Tennant years of Dr Who.
Though many of her accomplishments are dutifully outlined, it felt as thought the author didn't really think much of her su More...
Aug 18, 2010
Rebecca
rated it:
It's an entertaining look at one of the more notorious mistresses in French history, Louis XV's longtime flame, Madame de Pompadour. But it's not nearly as good as Nancy Mitford's biography. Still, the colour plates are pretty, and there are a few insights. Just not enough of them.
For the complete review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/content_76427398...
For the complete review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/content_76427398...
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Sep 19, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
I have always been very curious about this women. Now that I have read about her i found her very interesting. She was very assertive,and she definatly was more than a pretty face. This book was very well written,but the subject wasn't enough to hold my intrest.
Dec 24, 2008
Leslie
rated it: 
This one was a real page turner for me. Well, except for the very boring war/battle descriptions, I pretty much skip those without losing any thing. Very good book. I liked it. It was an honest account of this remarkable woman.
Mar 28, 2011
Ashleigh
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Madame De Pompadour is one of my favourite historical people and this book did her justice!
Jun 18, 2010
Myriastevens
rated it:
A historical fiction book that is very well written. I have learned that Louis the 14th was very private, exclusive and easily pursuaded (mostly by women). Madame Pompadour spent most of her life risking everything to stay in his good favor and keep her place in court.
Jul 12, 2009
A great recounting of a historical drama, told with flair and imagination, and real affection for the characters and their all too real human failings.
Apr 02, 2010
Paula
rated it:
A highly readable biography, full of interesting facts and anecdotes. You can actually visualize all the French court intrigue and gossip surrounding this highly controversial mistress to Louis XV. The author handles the multitude of political machinations very well, but sometimes I felt there was just a bit too much emphasis on that (difficult to leave it out though, because of the subject matter!)
Jan 28, 2010
Sy
rated it:
A well-done biography of a character that is offen hide on the main line of Frech History.
Madame de Pompadour is based on all the mail of the period Luis XV' kindom, and its shows importants aspect of the way the decisions where taken (as the Treaty of Versailles - the first one).
Was on the Luis XV' kindom that the illuminist came to light, and the proximity of then o the main characater is deliteful.
Madame de Pompadour is based on all the mail of the period Luis XV' kindom, and its shows importants aspect of the way the decisions where taken (as the Treaty of Versailles - the first one).
Was on the Luis XV' kindom that the illuminist came to light, and the proximity of then o the main characater is deliteful.
Oct 10, 2011
getting ready to visit Versailles this Fall. I have only read 100 pages, but I already feel like I read the line that inspired the Doctor Who episode. Mitford says that at court it was the fashion to walk quickly with tiny steps, like a something I don't quite remember. Train? Robot?
Oct 26, 2008
Laura
rated it:
I actually became interested in reading about this French mistress of Louis XV after watching an episode of Dr. Who!! Anyway, it was a good read and helped me to understand a bit the life of the grandfather of King XVI (he who lost his head in the French Revolution).
Jul 02, 2007
Magid
rated it:
Again, I think that this biography was let down by the translation, but apart from that, I wasn't too impressed. It was too meandering, lacking in detail and pace, and not juicy enough by half.
Jun 04, 2008
Nicole
rated it: 
Veronica Franco is my all time favorite historical figure. Madame de Pompadour ranks as a close second.
Apr 17, 2007
Alexandra
rated it:
A fascinating look at a lady with the utmost grace. Highly recommended.
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