A comprehensive, very readable life of Talleyrand's niece by marriage who became his constant and beloved support. Intelligent, beautiful, proud and passionately loyal, born to be a political hostess, her ambition was to govern a man of great distinction and power. Talleyrand - the most powerful statesmen in Europe for half a century - provided all she needed and for 25 years, until his death, she smoothed his path becoming one of the most influential women of her time.
(Kathie Somerwil Ayrton - bwl 80 Spring 2016 ) |
