A German Pompadour Being the Extraordinary History of Wilhelmine van Grävenitz, Landhofmeisterin of Wirtemberg

"A German Pompadour" by Hon. Marie Hay is a historical account that unveils the story of Wilhelmine von Grävenitz, an 18th-century woman who became a significant figure in the Württemberg court. The narrative begins with a mysterious setting on the edge of Oberhausen, where the history of Wilhelmine—a figure of both admiration and scorn—unfolds. It portrays a tense atmosphere within the court at Neuhaus, where courtiers grapple with financial difficulties and engage in ambitious plans for social advancement. Wilhelmine's husband struggles to uphold their status amid this environment of courtly schemes. The story introduces Wilhelmine as a woman with great ambition, desiring a life of luxury and acclaim, foreshadowing her involvement in courtly power struggles. Hay crafts a tale filled with intrigue, romance, and the intricacies of court life during a period of historical unrest.