1968 The Roses Of Malmaison Von Schonthan Vintage Fiction Book With Dustjacket

1968 The Roses Of Malmaison Von Schonthan Vintage Fiction Book With Dustjacket The Roses Of Malmaison By Gaby von Schonthan Published by Cassell: London 1968 (1st UK Edition) " The Roses of Malmaison, by Gaby von Schönthan, is an evocative historical novel recounting the extraordinary life of Joséphine de Beauharnais (1763-1814), the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress of the French. Written in the form of Joséphine's personal memoirs, the narrative draws extensively upon contemporary historical sources and surviving correspondence to recreate the triumphs, tragedies and intimate experiences of one of the most fascinating women of the Napoleonic era. Beginning with her childhood on the Caribbean island of Martinique, the story follows her arrival in France, her unhappy marriage to Alexandre de Beauharnais and her precarious existence amid the violence and political upheaval of the French Revolution. The narrative continues through Joséphine's introduction to the ambitious young General Napoleon Bonaparte, their passionate courtship and subsequent marriage, and her remarkable ascent to the glittering heights of imperial society. Despite Napoleon's devotion to her, their relationship was frequently troubled by jealousy, extravagant spending, conflicting personalities and his increasing preoccupation with military conquest and affairs of state. Von Schönthan portrays Joséphine as a charming yet complex woman, whose love of beautiful surroundings, fashionable society and the celebrated gardens and roses of her Château de Malmaison contrasted sharply with the political ambitions of her husband. The account culminates in their painful divorce, brought about largely by Joséphine's inability to provide Napoleon with an heir, and follows her final years until her death in 1814. Originally published in German in 1966 as Die Rosen von Malmaison, this English translation by Therese Pol was first published in Great Britain by Cassell & Company, London, in 1968. Combining historical detail with a richly atmospheric and personal style of storytelling, the work offers an engaging portrait of imperial France and the private world behind the grandeur of Napoleon's court. This First UK Edition is presented in its original pictorial dustjacket, retaining the printed price of 30 shillings, with an attractive period illustration of Joséphine surrounded by roses, designed by Val Biro. An appealing volume for collectors of Napoleonic history, historical fiction, French royalty and biographies of notable women." Light wear to dust jacket. Pages are clean and well presented. Binding is excellent with no loose pages. A nice copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition. Size 20.5cm x 14cm x 3cm - 303 Pages