THE QUEEN'S NECKLACE

by Frances Mossiker ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 23, 1960

When the life's work of the jewelers to the court of France--a fabulous necklace of priceless diamonds-- was stolen, it caused a far-reaching scandal that hastened the already inevitable French Revolution. The author after exhaustive research has produced a work of non-fiction that weaves contemporary memoirs, letters, newspapers, trial briefs and scandal sheets into a long narrative hold together by her notes and interpolations. Who stole the necklace-- Marie Antoinette, Cardinal-Prince Rohan, Countess De La Motte Valois? It would seem to be the last named adventuress, but by bringing present-day psychology and modern methods of historical research to bear on a puzzle that has never ceased to fascinate writers, the finger of guilt is also pointed at the other two principals. Credit must certainly be given to the author's research, translation of never-before-published material and her ability to work this mass of information into an effective form different from the usual historical narrative. But for all of this, The Queen's Necklace does not provide the historically-minded reader with the substance to put his teeth into that such recent best-selling historical books as The Armada and Queen Elizabeth did. The publishers plan an all-out advertising and promotion campaign that well may, along with the romance of the subject and in spite of the book's length and price, put it into the ranks of best-seller.

Pub Date: Jan. 23, 1960

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1960

Categories: NONFICTION