Memoirs of the Courts of Louis XV and XVI. — Volume 5

About the book

"Memoirs of the Courts of Louis XV and XVI — Volume 5" by Du Hausset and Lamballe is a historical account likely produced in the late 18th century, reflecting the turbulent times leading to the French Revolution. This volume, as part of a larger memoir series, provides intimate insights and private reflections concerning the royal court of France, particularly focusing on the lives of Queen Marie Antoinette and her close confidantes, including the Princesse de Lamballe, as they navigated political intrigue, public sentiment, and personal trials. At the start of this volume, the narrative establishes the context surrounding the birth of the Queen’s first daughter, the Duchesse d'Angouleme, and explores the shifting dynamics of the royal court. It captures moments of the Queen's elation juxtaposed with the pressures from the public and political factions, which are compounded by her relationships with various favorites, including the Duchesse de Polignac. As the opening unfolds, it reflects on the deepening affinities among these women and the increasing animosities from court factions, revealing the fragile balance of power and affection at Versailles amidst the societal upheaval brewing in France.