The Last Empress of France: The Rebellious Life of Eugnie de Montijo [Hardcover]

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.US“Kladstrup and Resnick offer a wonderful portrait of Empress Eugénie: a trailblazing feminist, rebel, diplomat and cultural powerhouse who championed science and the arts, and who transformed Paris into the world capital of luxury and style. Unjustly forgotten by history, she emerges here as a visionary woman — and as a delight for lovers of history featuring strong, complex women.”  –Ross King,New York Timesbestselling author ofMichelangelo and the Pope’s CeilingandThe Judgment of Paris
 
“The Last Empress of Francedelights from the very first sentence. Thoroughly researched and gracefully written, this untold story will keep you up reading late into the night."  –Martin Dugard,l7