Download or read book Empress written by Shan Sa and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2009-10-06 with total page 497 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Such is the voice of Shan Sa's unforgettable heroine in her latest literary masterpiece, Empress. Empress Wu, one of China's most controversial figures, was its first and only female emperor, who emerged in the seventh century during the great Tang Dynasty and ushered in a golden age. Throughout history, her name has been defamed and her story distorted by those taking vengeance on a woman who dared to become emperor. But now, for the first time in thirteen centuries, Empress Wu (or Heavenlight, as we come to know her) flings open the gates of the Forbidden City and tells her own astonishing tale—revealing a fascinating, complex figure who in many ways remains modern to this day. Writing with epic assurance, poetry, and vivid historic detail, Shan Sa plumbs the psychological and philosophical depths of what it means to be a striving mortal in a tumultuous, power-hungry world. Empress is a great literary feat and a revelation for the ages.
Download or read book The Year of the French written by Thomas Flanagan and published by New York Review of Books. This book was released on 2004-10-31 with total page 548 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1798, Irish patriots, committed to freeing their country from England, landed with a company of French troops in County Mayo, in westernmost Ireland. They were supposed to be an advance guard, followed by other French ships with the leader of the rebellion, Wolfe Tone. Briefly they triumphed, raising hopes among the impoverished local peasantry and gathering a group of supporters. But before long the insurgency collapsed in the face of a brutal English counterattack. Very few books succeed in registering the sudden terrible impact of historical events; Thomas Flanagan's is one. Subtly conceived, masterfully paced, with a wide and memorable cast of characters, The Year of the French brings to life peasants and landlords, Protestants and Catholics, along with old and abiding questions of secular and religious commitments, empire, occupation, and rebellion. It is quite simply a great historical novel. Named the most distinguished work of fiction in 1979 by the National Book Critics' Circle.
Download or read book The French House written by Helen Fripp and published by Forever. This book was released on 2022 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "For grieving Nicole Clicquot, saving the vineyards her husband left behind is her one chance to keep a roof over her head and provide a future for her little girl. She ignores the gossips who insist the fields are no place for a woman: but one day, buying fresh croissants at the boulangerie, Nicole is shocked to hear a rumor about her husband. They say he died with a terrible secret. One that brings disgrace on Nicole and turns the whole town against her. Heartbroken, her reputation in tatters, and full of questions no one can answer, Nicole turns to her husband's oldest friend, travelling merchant Louis. His warm smile and kind advice seem to melt her troubles away. And as they taste her first golden wine of the season and look out over the endless rolling hills, Nicole starts to believe she can turn her fortunes around and be welcomed back into the local community. But when Louis avoids her after a long trip abroad, Nicole sees he has secrets of his own... and just as she doubts if he's on her side, she realizes how her feelings for him had grown. Desperately torn between her head and her heart, Nicole works day and night on a plan for her future: but to save her home and her little daughter from ruin, she must risk everything..."--
Download or read book Somewhere in France written by Jennifer Robson and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2013-12-31 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A daring young woman will risk her life to find her destiny in this atmospheric, beautifully drawn historical debut novel—a tale of love, hope, and danger set during the First World War. Lady Elizabeth Neville-Ashford wants to travel the world, pursue a career, and marry for love. But in 1914, the stifling restrictions of aristocratic British society and her mother’s rigid expectations forbid Lilly from following her heart. When war breaks out, the spirited young woman seizes her chance for independence. Defying her parents, she moves to London and eventually becomes an ambulance driver in the newly formed Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps—an exciting and treacherous job that takes her close to the Western Front. Assigned to a field hospital in France, Lilly is reunited with Robert Fraser, her dear brother Edward’s best friend. The handsome Scottish surgeon has always encouraged Lilly’s dreams. She doesn’t care that Robbie grew up in poverty—she yearns for their friendly affection to become something more. Lily is the most beautiful—and forbidden—woman Robbie has ever known. Fearful for her life, he’s determined to keep her safe, even if it means breaking her heart. In a world divided by class, filled with uncertainty and death, can their hope for love survive. . . or will it become another casualty of this tragic war? The paperback includes a P.S. section with additional insights from the author, background material, suggestions for further reading, and more.
Download or read book French Quarter Fiction written by Joshua Clark and published by Light of New Orleans Publishing. This book was released on 2003 with total page 388 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Beautiful, poignant, tragic, and comic, this collection of works by preeminent writers--John Biguenet, Poppy Z. Brite, Robert Olen Butler, Tennessee Williams, and others--explores the mysterious heart of New Orleans.
Download or read book The French Baker s War written by Michael Whatling and published by . This book was released on 2021-04-14 with total page 300 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Occupied France, 1943. Returning home, André Albert finds his four-year-old son in the street, his wife gone, and an emaciated Jewish woman cowering behind the display case.
Download or read book Scaramouche written by Rafael Sabatini and published by Good Press. This book was released on 2019-11-20 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rafael Sabatini's 'Scaramouche' is a swashbuckling historical novel set during the French Revolution, filled with political intrigue, romance, and adventure. Sabatini's fluid prose and detailed descriptions bring to life the tumultuous time period, captivating readers with his vivid storytelling and richly developed characters. The novel explores themes of social justice, identity, and the pursuit of freedom, making it a timeless tale that resonates with readers of all ages. 'Scaramouche' is a classic example of historical fiction that seamlessly blends fact with fiction, drawing readers into a thrilling world of duels, deception, and drama. Rafael Sabatini, a prolific author known for his historical adventure novels, drew inspiration for 'Scaramouche' from his own Italian heritage and deep interest in European history. His background as a linguist and writer enabled him to craft a compelling narrative that has endured the test of time, capturing the imagination of generations of readers. I highly recommend 'Scaramouche' to any reader who enjoys a riveting tale set in a tumultuous historical period, complete with unforgettable characters and heart-pounding action. Sabatini's masterful storytelling and intricate plot twists make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction and adventure literature.
Download or read book Ribbons of Scarlet written by Kate Quinn and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2019-10-01 with total page 560 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “The French Revolution comes alive through the eyes of six diverse and complex women, in the skilled hands of these amazing authors.”--Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls A breathtaking, epic novel illuminating the hopes, desires, and destinies of princesses and peasants, harlots and wives, fanatics and philosophers—seven unforgettable women whose paths cross during one of the most tumultuous and transformative events in history: the French Revolution. Ribbons of Scarlet is a timely story of the power of women to start a revolution—and change the world. In late eighteenth-century France, women do not have a place in politics. But as the tide of revolution rises, women from gilded salons to the streets of Paris decide otherwise—upending a world order that has long oppressed them. Blue-blooded Sophie de Grouchy believes in democracy, education, and equal rights for women, and marries the only man in Paris who agrees. Emboldened to fight the injustices of King Louis XVI, Sophie aims to prove that an educated populace can govern itself--but one of her students, fruit-seller Louise Audu, is hungrier for bread and vengeance than learning. When the Bastille falls and Louise leads a women’s march to Versailles, the monarchy is forced to bend, but not without a fight. The king’s pious sister Princess Elisabeth takes a stand to defend her brother, spirit her family to safety, and restore the old order, even at the risk of her head. But when fanatics use the newspapers to twist the revolution’s ideals into a new tyranny, even the women who toppled the monarchy are threatened by the guillotine. Putting her faith in the pen, brilliant political wife Manon Roland tries to write a way out of France’s blood-soaked Reign of Terror while pike-bearing Pauline Leon and steely Charlotte Corday embrace violence as the only way to save the nation. With justice corrupted by revenge, all the women must make impossible choices to survive--unless unlikely heroine and courtesan’s daughter Emilie de Sainte-Amaranthe can sway the man who controls France’s fate: the fearsome Robespierre.
Download or read book Scaramouche written by Rafael Sabatini and published by Forgotten Books. This book was released on 2017-10-17 with total page 398 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Excerpt from Scaramouche: A Romance of the French Revolution All that he achieved by this was to exasperate; and his expulsion from a society grown mistrustful of him must already have followed but for his friend, Philippe de Vil morin, a divinity student Of Rennes, who, himself, was one of the most popular members of the Literary Chamber. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
Download or read book The Three Graces Trilogy written by Laura Du Pre and published by Three Graces Trilogy. This book was released on 2018-01-31 with total page 564 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For the first time, get all three of the Three Graces novels in one book!Travel back to the court of the French RenaissanceCousins to the King of Navarre, the Cleves sisters are front and center to the treachery of the royal court of France. The trilogy begins with Marie, the youngest sister. Trapped in a loveless marriage to her first cousin, the Prince de Conde, Marie has a chance to change her life and go after love. But will it cost her her life in the process?Eldest sister, Henriette, is one of the richest and most influential women in France. In a country torn apart by religious war and an unstable monarchy, things can change in an instant. Can Henriette manage to hold on to all that she holds dear?Middle sister, Catherine, is married to the Duc de Guise, the most rabid Catholic in France. Ambitious and well-connected, Guise is the main rival for the French throne, which is currently occupied by an unpopular Henri III. Guise managed to win concessions from Henri, but concessions come with a steep price on his head. As his Duchesse, Catherine is in a dangerous position of her own. Determined to play her part in bringing about the downfall of the Valois and the rise of the Guise, Catherine will risk her own safety.But is the risk worth the rewards? Will either of them escape with their lives? Catherine has to take a chance for herself, and the consequences will change French history.
Download or read book The Whirlwind written by William Stearns Davis and published by International Law & Taxation Pub. This book was released on 2004-12-01 with total page 540 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Reni, Chevalier de Massac, insists upon marrying Virginie Durand --though she is not of noble birth-- gives up his position at the court at Versailles, and throws himself heart and soul into the cause of the people. This book tells the eventful story of De Massac's part in the Revolution and the equally dangerous and courageous part played by his wife. De Massac, who is a friend of Danton and Robespierre, takes part in the capture of the Bastille, the storming of the Tuileries, and the battle of Wattignies, and with difficulty saves his own children from an attack by the peasants. The author's aim has been to picture life as it really was lived in and around Paris during the Revolution. He shows with historical truth the French Court with all its glitter and its rottenness, and the life of the people in the homes and streets of Paris and in the little villages outside. Many famous characters appear in the story --Louis XVI and his Queen, Danton, St. Just, Mirabeau, and Robespierre-- and the book is alive with the conflicting passions of the time. At the time of original publication in 1929, William Stearns Davis was Professor of Ancient History, University of Minnesota.
Download or read book Mademoiselle Celeste written by Adele Ferguson Knight and published by . This book was released on 2009-03 with total page 324 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.
Download or read book In the Reign of Terror written by G.A. Henty and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2014-09-03 with total page 209 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Return to the tumultuous days of the French Revolution with this captivating tale of adventure and courage. Join Harry Sandwith, a young Englishman, as he accepts a job as a companion to the sons of a French marquis. Follow Harry and his aristocratic friends as they're swept from their idyllic life at a country estate to the riotous streets of Paris and the very gates of the Bastille. Can Harry rescue the marquis' family from imprisonment and certain death at the hands of the merciless mob? Author George Alfred Henty specialized in creating novels for young readers that blend authentic historical facts with exciting fictional characters. Famed as "The Prince of Storytellers," Henty wrote more than 140 books. Generations of schoolchildren have thrilled to his vivid novels, which continue to fire young imaginations with their spirited tales of adventure amid exciting historical eras.
Download or read book The French Mistress written by Susan Holloway Scott and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2009-07-07 with total page 381 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the author of The King's Favorite-a new novel based on a dazzling and decadent true story of Restoration England. The daughter of a poor nobleman, Louise leaves the French countryside for the court of King Louis XIV, where she must not only please the tastes of the jaded king, but serve as a spy for France. With few friends, many rivals, and ever-shifting loyalties, Louise learns the perils of her new role. Yet she is too ambitious to be a pawn in the intrigues of others. With the promise of riches, power, and even the love of a king, Louise creates her own destiny in a dance of intrigue between two monarchs-and two countries.
Download or read book Library of Congress Subject Headings written by Library of Congress and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 1480 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Madame Tussaud written by Michelle Moran and published by Crown. This book was released on 2011-12-27 with total page 482 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The world knows Madame Tussaud as a wax artist extraordinaire . . . but who was this woman who became one of the most famous sculptresses of all time? In these pages, her tumultuous and amazing story comes to life as only Michelle Moran can tell it. The year is 1788, and a revolution is about to begin. Smart and ambitious, Marie Tussaud has learned the secrets of wax sculpting by working alongside her uncle in their celebrated wax museum, the Salon de Cire. From her popular model of the American ambassador, Thomas Jefferson, to her tableau of the royal family at dinner, Marie’s museum provides Parisians with the very latest news on fashion, gossip, and even politics. Her customers hail from every walk of life, yet her greatest dream is to attract the attention of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI; their stamp of approval on her work could catapult her and her museum to the fame and riches she desires. After months of anticipation, Marie learns that the royal family is willing to come and see their likenesses. When they finally arrive, the king’s sister is so impressed that she requests Marie’s presence at Versailles as a royal tutor in wax sculpting. It is a request Marie knows she cannot refuse—even if it means time away from her beloved Salon and her increasingly dear friend, Henri Charles. As Marie gets to know her pupil, Princesse Élisabeth, she also becomes acquainted with the king and queen, who introduce her to the glamorous life at court. From lavish parties with more delicacies than she’s ever seen to rooms filled with candles lit only once before being discarded, Marie steps into a world entirely different from her home on the Boulevard du Temple, where people are selling their teeth in order to put food on the table. Meanwhile, many resent the vast separation between rich and poor. In salons and cafés across Paris, people like Camille Desmoulins, Jean-Paul Marat, and Maximilien Robespierre are lashing out against the monarchy. Soon, there’s whispered talk of revolution. . . . Will Marie be able to hold on to both the love of her life and her friendship with the royal family as France approaches civil war? And more important, will she be able to fulfill the demands of powerful revolutionaries who ask that she make the death masks of beheaded aristocrats, some of whom she knows? Spanning five years, from the budding revolution to the Reign of Terror, Madame Tussaud brings us into the world of an incredible heroine whose talent for wax modeling saved her life and preserved the faces of a vanished kingdom.
Download or read book The Year of the French written by Thomas Flanagan and published by New York : Pocket Books. This book was released on 1980 with total page 662 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1798, Irish patriots, committed to freeing their country from England, landed with a company of French troops in County Mayo, in westernmost Ireland. They were supposed to be an advance guard, followed by other French ships with the leader of the rebellion, Wolfe Tone. Briefly they triumphed, raising hopes among the impoverished local peasantry and gathering a group of supporters. But before long the insurgency collapsed before a brutal English counterattack. Very few books succeed in registering the sudden terrible impact of historical events; Thomas Flanagan's is one. Subtly conceived, masterfully paced, with a wide and memorable cast of characters, The Year of the French brings to life peasants and landlords, Protestants and Catholics, along with old and abiding questions of secular and religious commitments, empire, occupation, and rebellion. It is quite simply a great historical novel.