AUDIOBOOK
About
The dramatic, untold story of Eugénie de Montijo, the woman who created haute couture, fought for women's rights, opened France's schools to girls and ruled the country as its last empress, yet today remains almost unknown.
Although a nineteenth-century woman, her almost twenty-first century outlook was key to the creation of modern France. Viewed frequently as a mere “ornament of the throne” of her husband, Emperor Napoléon III, this Spanish-born aristocrat proved to be almost as fiery as her red hair, fighting against institutional limitations, establishing innovations in childcare and women's health, scientific research and education, battling anti-Semitism and “sex prejudice,” all the while displaying a political acumen so sharp that her husband gave her sole control of the government during his absences and consulted her daily when he was home. But the triumphs and glamour of her life were coupled with heartbreak and tragedy.
This first definitive American biography of Eugénie restores her far-reaching legacy to history.
Although a nineteenth-century woman, her almost twenty-first century outlook was key to the creation of modern France. Viewed frequently as a mere “ornament of the throne” of her husband, Emperor Napoléon III, this Spanish-born aristocrat proved to be almost as fiery as her red hair, fighting against institutional limitations, establishing innovations in childcare and women's health, scientific research and education, battling anti-Semitism and “sex prejudice,” all the while displaying a political acumen so sharp that her husband gave her sole control of the government during his absences and consulted her daily when he was home. But the triumphs and glamour of her life were coupled with heartbreak and tragedy.
This first definitive American biography of Eugénie restores her far-reaching legacy to history.
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Reviews
"Jilly Bond paints a charming portrait of Eug�nie de Montijo, the last empress of France. The Spanish-born aristocrat married to Emperor Napoleon III was a woman ahead of her time. The Napoleonic Code defined women as little more than chattel. They were uneducated, taught only to be good wives and unable to do or think for themselves. Bond's narration portrays a fierce advocate for women's rights whose flaming red hair was a testament to her passionate nature. Bond's minimalist presentation offers an intriguing woman who was aware of injustices and who worked to better conditions for women. A savvy politician who has been overlooked by history primarily because of her gender, she was instrumental in turning Paris into a stylish world capital. S.J.H. � AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine"
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