Madame Roland: A Biographical Study

by Ida M. (Ida Minerva) Tarbell

"Madame Roland: A Biographical Study" by Ida M. Tarbell is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life of Madame Roland, a prominent figure during the French Revolution, delving into her personal history and her influence on the political landscape of her time. Tarbell aims to present a comprehensive narrative, derived from extensive research, including unpublished letters and documents, highlighting the complexities of Roland's character and her relationships. The opening of the study introduces Madame Roland’s early life, particularly focusing on her formative years as Manon Phlipon. It details her upbringing in a bourgeois Parisian family, her natural curiosity, and her early intellectual pursuits, including her voracious reading habits. The chapter sketches her experiences at school, her interactions with her parents, and her evolving worldview as she becomes increasingly aware of societal norms and political dynamics, setting the stage for her later activism and philosophical development. Through vivid descriptions, Tarbell sets a foundation for understanding how these early influences shaped Madame Roland into a significant figure in the evolving narrative of the French Revolution.