Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and the French Revolution (Rulers and Their Times)

This book won a Children's Book Council award--"Notable Social Studies Trade Book for 2003." It is a "must-read" for teens who are interested in a fascinating period in European history. As a French history professor for over twenty-eight years, I found it to be impeccably researched, with many primary sources; elegantly written, and quite insightful. I particularly enjoyed the way the author sheds light on the thoughts and feelings of the book's most important characters by using salient contempoary quotes. (Here is Marie Antoinette reacting to the vicious rumors about her circulated by her enemies: "Why should they hate me? What have I ever done to them?" Here is a courtier's criticism of Louis XVI's appearance: "He looked like some peasant shambling along beside his plough.") Illustrated throughout with beautiful period paintings, Plain's book is a skillful combination of biography and history. The author does a superb job of presenting a complex era in a lucid manner. She maintains an evenhanded approach throughout, explaining objectively the views of both monarchists and revolutionaries. I recommend this book highly as an excellent introduction to 18th century France.