READ THIS: MARIE ANTOINETTE’S HEAD: The Royal Hairdresser, the Queen, and the Revolution by Will Bashor Our Coverage Sponsored by Bergen Linen
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Thank you to Ellen, Edward and Joel who make the outside of our head its best! They read this book along with us, and as experts, they know this subject better than anyone:
"An undeniable beacon of style in the world of Fashion, Marie-Antoinette has blazed a trail in history. Those of us in fashion know her presence, and her influence over the 18th C. And we have always known the name of her Milliner, Rose Bertin, who helped launch hats and headpieces as a necessary art in every ladies' toilette from thereon. But we have known less about her hairdresser, an arbiter of style born in the provinces of France and elevated by design, literally, to the Court of the Queen. Leonard Autie becomes the Queen's style-maker, indeed, introduces Rose Bertin into the court of the young Dauphine, and establishes precedence in invention as a result. Not just a hairdresser, M. Autie tracks his way through politics and the backstage gossip of the Court of Versailles. Written by Will Bashor and published by Lyons Press, Marie Antoinette's Head delves into obscure history and points of fashion, etiquette, Court Life, and the French Revolution. Where Leonard teased coiffures to dizzying heights during the reign of Louis and his Austrian bride, the little hairdresser became confidant and banker to the post-Revolution emigres. He handled not just his precious comb, but letters of State, funds, jewels, and secrets across continents as a member of a small trusted circle. Every movie you've ever seen about Marie Antoinette has its roots in the academic veracity in these pages. It reads at times like a book of fiction, and at times, as the academic achievement that it truly is. Gift this sly little book to hairdressers, milliners, fashionistas, and costume history folk everywhere. And keep a copy for yourself. It's fascinating."
"Especially in the era of Marie Antoinette, hairdressers were involved closely with people's lives, similar to bartenders and psychologists today. Hairstylists are characteristically trusted companions, knowing all kinds of details about people's private lives and their opinion is held in high regard. Leonard Autie was one of the first to hold this special role."
"A revolutionary work celebrating a fantastic profession-hair! I enjoyed learning about the life of Leonard Autie and personally appreciate his trailblazing qualities."
Oooh la la what a fabulous book: Marie Antoinette's Head! We have become more and more selective with books we review mainly for time constraint reasons, however, this is one to put in your reading schedule in pen. If you are reading us, chances are you are into fashion and francais, and the ultimate trailblazer was of course Marie Antoinette. But, she did not just wake up looking the way you imagine. Being beautiful is not easy work, and great assistance is needed from professionals: in this case, the esteemed hairdresser Leonard Autie.
You may not know Leonard.
You need to know Leonard.
Will Bashor, our new Twitter friend, is a highly skilled writer and intellect of French history and he vividly paints pictures with his extraordinary word choice to entertain you completely. Why not take a trip back a few centuries for your summer reading?
It is worth your while.
It is by far the best book we've read since Mover and Shaker Charles Kipps put us in his last one. (stay tuned for a new Charles Kipps story!)
We have the highest regard for the level of detail employed here, as well as the thoroughness of research which is admirable in its own right. Will includes:
*Family Tree
*Map
*Relevant pictures
*Chronology
*Cast of Historical Characters
*A Note on Sources
*A Note on Titles of Nobility
Did you know Marie Antoinette is not French, but rather an Austrian princess? When she married into French nobility, it was essential that she appeared to be as French as possible and was often copied by women of the French court. They all had hairstyles like Manhattan skyscrapers, and the craftsmanship employed is a story in itself.
Leonard Autie knew his currency (as Amy Poehler would say). He did not believe he would find his fortune in the sciences or in government; however, he knew he could capitalize on his two greatest assets: his charisma and artistic genius. We would say his people skills, fashion ability and absolute discretion also propelled him to the top of his profession.
We adore Will's choice of quotes. Chapter Three, titled The Court of Versailles. It reminded us to open some champagne while reading:
"Happiness is seldom sober; it becomes elated, and it almost always runs away beyond the limits of moderation."
"Happiness is seldom sober; it becomes elated, and it almost always runs away beyond the limits of moderation."
-Leonard Autie to Fremont, 1772 (page 29)
Marie Antoinette is quite the character herself, and the typical historical character is not exactly as we find her in this book. When you learn more facts about her, you might find her a lot more likable. She was homesick for her family in Austria, ignored by her husband, imprisoned by court etiquette and so needed distraction to indulge in, like her fabulous hair. Also, she was known to gamble, go to the theater, concerts and the opera and scandalously take strolls in the night, all of which are not great for her public relations at the time. But doesn't she sound like fun?
How did Marie Antoinette and Leonard meet? It isn't how you expect, and there are some not-so-nice ulterior motives involved, but clearly, it worked out for the best! As the story evolves, you will see they are like peas and carrots, in the most French way possible. We won't ruin it for you telling you all the escapades. You need to know that there is serious substance involved here: this is an academic, historic approach to a topic that those with simple tastes might consider light, but really is not once you get into the elite aspects of hair. Leonard's hairstyles had a going rate of $800 US currently. (p. 109)
It wasn't all champagne and chandeliers; Marie Antoinette started losing her hair after the birth of her first child. And Leonard made lemonade out of lemons, creating a new hairstyle called: L'Enfant. (p. 92-93)
As most people know, Marie Antoinette did not have a happy ending, and even in her depths of despair it was Leonard who looked after her safety and her jewels on a trip to London in the end. We hope she and Leonard are reading their copy up in heaven...and P.S. Leonard did have a bit of a second act in Russia.
We are so impressed.
Quel dommage that we were born too late for this era!
But we know it now thanks to Will.
Marie Antoinette's Head is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know!
Follow him!
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Marie Antoinette has remained atop the popular cultural landscape for centuries, mostly for the daring style and fashion she brought to 18th-century France. For the better part of the queen’s reign, one man was entrusted with making her elaborate hairstyles the talk and the envy of France. Who was this minister of fashion who wielded such tremendous influence over the queen’s affairs?
MARIE ANTOINETTE’S HEAD: The Royal Hairdresser, the Queen, and the Revolution is the story of Léonard Autié, Marie Antoinette’s hairdresser and confidant, the man responsible for the style that made her the envy of French and partly for the uproar that dragged her to the guillotine. MARIE ANTOINETTE’S HEAD charts Léonard’s rise, from his humble origins as a provincial barber in the south of France to the inventor of the pouf and his role as premier hairdresser, trusted messenger, and loyal friend to Queen Marie Antoinette at the court of Versailles.
By unearthing the memoirs of the key players and a variety of sources from the 18th and 19th centuries, including Léonard’s own autobiography, court documents, and archived periodicals, Will Bashor reveals Léonard’s mostly unknown story, his impact on events at the dawn of the French Revolution, the role he played in the life of his most famous client, and the chaotic and history-making world in which he rose to prominence. Besides his proximity to the queen, the hairdresser also had a most fascinating life filled with seduction (he was the only man in a female dominated court), intrigue, espionage, theft, exile, treason, and possibly, execution.
Will Bashor received his doctorate from the American Graduate School in Paris and teaches at Ohio Dominican University, Columbus, Ohio. His interests have ranged over many fields, among them the study of international law and business, linguistics, cultural anthropology, and European history. A member of the Society for French Historical Studies, he earned his MA in French from Ohio University.
