Madame de Pompadour

The biography vividly portrays Madame de Pompadour's unexpected rise as the mistress of Louis XV, defying societal expectations and prejudices. Set against the backdrop of 18th-century Versailles, it reveals the court's intricate dynamics, highlighting her resilience amidst adversities and class conflicts. Mitford's engaging narrative captures the essence of the era, presenting Pompadour not just as a royal mistress but as a formidable figure who mastered the art of living and wielded significant influence in France for nearly two decades.