Memoirs of the Comtesse Du Barry: With Minute Details of Her Entire Career as Favorite of Louis XV

"Memoirs of the Comtesse Du Barry" by Baron Etienne-Léon Lamothe-Langon is a historical account likely written during the early 19th century. The narrative centers around Jeanne Vaubernier, known as the Comtesse Du Barry, who rose from modest beginnings to become the favorite mistress of King Louis XV of France, offering a glimpse into the extravagant and often treacherous world of the French court. At the start of the memoirs, Jeanne's brother-in-law, Comte Jean, excitedly informs her of a significant opportunity that could change her life—a dinner invitation from Lebel, the king's valet. He emphasizes the importance of her beauty and charm in charming the king, setting the stage for her entrance into the opulent yet dangerous realm of Versailles. As she prepares for her pivotal meeting with the king, the narrative highlights Jeanne's mix of anticipation and vulnerability, revealing her current state of obscurity and the fleeting nature of courtly favor. The opening chapters establish the stakes of her ambitions and introduce the complex dynamics at play as she navigates her ascent at court.