The Idler in France

Originally published in two volumes in 1841, this work describes Lady Blessington's sojourns in different French cities, especially Paris.

Marguerite Blessington (Author)

9781108045117, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 22 March 2012

636 pages
21.6 x 14 x 3.6 cm, 0.8 kg

Marguerite Gardiner, Countess of Blessington (1789–1849), was famous for her charm, wit, and beauty, the latter reflected in Sir Thomas Lawrence's famous portrait of her in 1822. Blessington had an unhappy childhood, and was forced into her first marriage at the age of fourteen, but had developed a love of reading and story-telling. With her second husband Charles John Gardiner, first Earl of Blessington, she lived for several years in France and Italy. In this work, originally published in two volumes in 1841, the author describes her impressions of nature, people and daily life in different French localities (Nîmes, Arles, St Rémy) with enthusiasm and good humour. Blessington writes especially about Paris, her permanent residence during 1828–30, describing the world of the British expatriate community as well as the cultural life and recent political upheavals which had brought Louis-Philippe to the throne.

Volume 1: 1. Nismes
2. Town of Arles
3. St. Rémy
4. Lyons
5. Paris. Fatiguing journey
6. Custom of letting out furniture
7. Domestic arrangements
8. Charles Kemble
9. Lord and Lady Stuart de Rothesay
10. The celebrated Dr P.
11. Groups of children in the gardens of the Luxembourg
12. The Marquise de Pouleprie
13. Visit to the Hôtel d'Orsay
14. Comte Charles de Mornay
15. Consequences of the Revolution in France
Volume 2: 1. Paris. Approach of Spring
2. Romantic feelings of Lady C.
3. Victor Hugo's Derniers Jours d'un Condamné
4. A new residence
5. Unexpected events
6. Mr. Rogers and Mr. Luttrell
7. Effects of indisposition
8. The dead paraded through the streets to inflame the populace
9. Familiarity of French servants
10. Sanctuary of home
11. Rumour relative to the son of Napoleon.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: c 1800 to c 1900 [DSBF]