Memoirs of the Comtesse Du Barry
With Minute Details of Her Entire Career as Favorite of Louis XV
"Memoirs of the Comtesse Du Barry" by Baron Etienne Léon Lamothe-Langon is a historical account likely written in the early 19th century. The book presents the life of Jeanne Vaubernier, who became the Comtesse Du Barry, the favored mistress of King Louis XV of France, exploring her rise from humble beginnings to the heights of courtly power and the accompanying intrigue and scandal. At the start of the memoirs, we are introduced to a pivotal encounter between Comtesse Du Barry and King Louis XV, facilitated by Lebel, a royal steward. The opening details Comtesse Du Barry's preparations for her fateful meeting with the king, where she is to charm him and secure her place as a royal favorite. Engaging dialogues and her playful interactions reveal her wit and determination to navigate the treacherous waters of the court. As the narrative unfolds, we witness her initial anxieties transform into confidence as the king becomes infatuated with her, setting the stage for her illustrious yet tumultuous life in the royal court.