Dimensions
162 x 236 x 34mm
A vivid look at French salons and the women who presided over them. Translated By : Teresa Waugh.
Benedetta Craveri describes the world of women and French salons in the 17th and 18th centuries. Salons brought together not only intellectuals (Voltaire was a frequent and much-sought-after guest) and socialites, but also members of the political and military worlds. The salons allowed differences between these various powerful sectors to be resolved through the art of conversation rather than through the art of war. This book describes in non-academic writing the women and the salons, the guests, the conversations, and the political and social environments of the ancient regime.