Notes of An East Coast Naturalist-Arthur Henry Patterson

At just 15 years old, Mme Campan entered the royal household as a court reader, eventually becoming the first lady-in-waiting to Marie Antoinette. Her memoirs provide a captivating glimpse into the trials and tribulations of this ill-fated queen. Rather than focusing solely on the chaotic historical events of her time, Mme Campan delves into the intrigues and complexities of court life, exploring the personalities and behaviors of those who inhabited its hallowed halls. As she writes I shall relate what I have seen. I shall make known the character of Marie Antoinette, her domestic habits, the way in which she spent her time, her maternal affection, her constancy in friendship, her dignity in misfortune. I shall, in some degree, throw open her private apartments, where I have passed so many hours with her, both in the happiest and the most sorrowful years of her life. (Mme Campan) - Summary by Celine Major