A vivid, behind-the-scenes portrait of Madame du Barry, set against the power plays and passions of 18th‑century France. In this detailed study, Edmond de Goncourt examines a woman who moved from the streets to the center of court life. The book blends social history with intimate scenes, showing how public roles and private loyalties intersected at a moment of royal intrigue and looming revolution. Through episodes from exile to Luciennes, it reveals how the famous figure navigated debt, affection, and political maneuvering, while offering a nuanced view of a woman often reduced to rumor. - Rich historical context of the French court and the era’s political factions - Personal correspondence and episodes that illuminate Madame du Barry’s private life - A balanced portrayal of her rise, influence, and the shifting tides of fortune - A window into the social and cultural currents on the eve of the Revolution Ideal for readers of historical biography and those interested in the late reign of Louis XV and the early sparks of Revolutionary France.