The Last Empress of France: The Rebellious Life of Eug?nie de Montijo (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781335012494)

The dramatic, untold story of Eug?nie de Montijo, the woman who created haute couture, fought for women's rights, opened France's schools to girls and ruled the country as its last empress, yet today remains almost unknown.

Although a nineteenth-century woman, her almost twenty-first century outlook was key to the creation of modern France. Viewed frequently as a mere "ornament of the throne" of her husband, Emperor Napol?on III, this Spanish-born aristocrat proved to be almost as fiery as her red hair, fighting against institutional limitations, establishing innovations in childcare and women's health, scientific research and education, battling anti-Semitism and "sex prejudice," all the while displaying a political acumen so sharp that her husband gave her sole control of the government during his absences and consulted her daily when he was home. But the triumphs and glamour of her life were coupled with heartbreak and tragedy.

This first definitive American biography of Eug?nie restores her far-reaching legacy to history.

Author: Petie Kladstrup, Evelyne Resnick
ISBN-10: 1335012494
ISBN-13: 9781335012494
Publisher: Hanover Square Press
Language: English
Published: 07/08/2025
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.04lbs
Size: 9.25h x 6.13w x 1.19d