Heroines of French Society in the Court, the Revolution, the Empire and the Restoration

"Heroines of French Society" by Mrs. Bearne is a historical exploration that illuminates the lives of four remarkable women who lived through the whirlwind of the French Revolution and its consequences. As the book begins, it sets the stage by presenting Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, a talented painter, against the backdrop of the extravagant court of Louis XV, showing her artistic gifts, her rise to fame as a portrait artist, and the challenges she faced, especially after her father's death. The narrative then broadens to include other women, such as the deeply religious Marquise de Montagu and the zealous Mme. Tallien, each with their own ways of dealing with the difficulties of the time. The writing style paints a vivid picture of their individual personalities, their positions in society, and the overall dramatic changes in French society.