The national bestseller from the acclaimed author of The Wives of Henry VIII. Frances beleaguered queen Marie Antoinette wrongly accused of uttering the infamous Let them eat cake was the subject of ridicule and curiosity even before her death she has since been the object of debate and speculation and the fascination so often accorded tragic figures in history. Married in mere girlhood this essentially lighthearted privileged but otherwise unremarkable child was thrust into an unparalleled time and place and was commanded by circumstance to play a significant role in history. Antonia Frasers lavish and engaging portrait of Marie Antoinette one of the most recognizable women in European history excites compassion and regard for all aspects of her subject immersing the reader not only in the comingofage of a graceful woman buaimedt also in the unraveling of an era. show more