Marie Antoinette "Madame Deficit"

This series of historical accounts profiles strong women who took extraordinary measures to achieve and maintain power--including murder, deception, and black magic--examining the women's reputations in the context of their eras. Just how wicked were they? The books allow readers to decide for themselves if these infamous ladies were indeed heartless and evil or simply out of touch and making the most of their circumstances. Before falling victim to the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette--the young, pretty queen who is credited for proclaiming, "Let them eat cake"--lived a life of excess in the French court while her people starved. While most accounts of Marie Antoinette discuss her lavish behavior, this book looks at her roles as a mother, a wife, and a trendsetter. Lively illustrations and an appealing story bring to life the woman whose extravagance incited a revolution.

Liz Hockinson is the author of Marcello the Movie Mouse. She lives in Novato, California. Peter Malone has illustrated more than 20 children's books and is the author of Close to the Wind.