'Not to idolise, not to deify, but to humanise, is the supreme task of creative psychological study'

True to his intention to 'humanise', Zweig gives us an eminently readable account of Marie Antoinette, a woman he describes as 'one who had abundant capacity and very little will'. The tone is halfway between novel and historical biography so is perfect for anyone who struggles with the drier historians. The focus, too, stays on Marie Antoinette herself, without skimping on the political background and the Revolution. With an eye on her marriage, her love-life and her inner emotions, this offers up a fully-fleshed woman more than a queen. Hugely enjoyable.