LADY BOOK-LOVERS

In “Lady Book-Lovers,” the discussion pivots around the genuine passion for books among women of distinction and royal status throughout history, particularly focusing on French queens and princesses. Ernest Quentin Bauchart’s bibliography on the matter reveals that many of these ladies indeed amassed libraries containing exquisitely printed books and manuscripts, yet it begs the question of whether these collections were born out of a true bibliophilic passion or mere adherence to fashionable trends of the times. The narrative contrasts the obligatory nature of book possession in historical periods with the contemporary frivolities attributed to the female gender, suggesting a deeper, albeit selective, appreciation for literature among these women of yore.

The chapter intricately details the personal libraries and tastes of notable figures such as Marguerite de Valois, Diane de Poitiers, and Madame de Pompadour, revealing their preferences for the material aspects of books, such as binding and editions, over the content within. This inclination towards the aesthetic and collectible value of books rather than their literary merit is further explored through the lens of various other ladies, including Catherine de Medici and Madame de Montespan, whose engagement with their collections often had underlying motives of pleasure, piety, or ambition rather than pure scholarly or literary interest.

The narrative skillfully weaves through anecdotes and historical accounts to question the true bibliophile nature of these women, touching upon the fact that while some like Madame de Verrue showed signs of a genuine obsession with collecting diverse and rare works, others might have simply been following social expectations or personal whims. It suggests a nuanced understanding of book collecting among female nobility and intellectuals, pointing out that while the libraries of these women were indeed prized and their tastes sometimes ahead of their times, their motivations and the depth of their passion for books varied greatly.

The chapter closes by reflecting on the complex legacy of book collections belonging to these lady book-lovers, casting a spotlight on the cultural and historical significance of their pursuits while subtly critiquing the transient nature of fashion and societal norms that influenced their literary journeys.