title: Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution
author:  Michelle Moran 
description: From Versailles to Boulevard du Temple, royalists to revolutionaries, art to science, Moran (Cleopatra's Daughter) returns with a new historical novel of fierce polarities. Set during the French Revolution, with an emphasis on the Reign of Terror, Moran's fourth deftly chronicles the consequences of seeking reversals in power-or liberty. Marie Grosholtz, the talented wax sculptress who would become Madame Tussaud, narrates with verve. She and her family are "survivalists" who "straddle both worlds until it's clear which side will be the victor..." but never come across as opportunists; they are resourceful, sympathetic individuals facing an unraveling nation and an increasingly angry mob mentality. Though readers may wince at the inevitable beheadings, the storming of the Bastille, and the actions of men like Robespierre, Moran tempers brutality with Marie's romance and passion for artistry; quiet moments in the family's atelier provide much needed respite. This is an unusually moving portrayal of families in distress, both common and noble. Marie Antoinette in particular becomes a surprisingly dimensional figure rather than the fashionplate, spendthrift caricature depicted in the pamphlets of her times. A feat for Francophiles and adventurers alike. <br />(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
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  _FOR MY SON_
  
   _who loves interesting facts_
  
    
    
  
   **MADAME TUSSAUD: HER LIFE AND LEGACY**
  
    
  
   **MADAME TUSSAUD: HER LIFE AND LEGACY**
  
    
  
  AN HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
  
    
  
  GERI WALTON
  
    
  
  ![](Images/image00166.jpeg)
  
    
  
  **Contents**
  
    
  
  Map of Important Sites
  
    
  
  Preface
  
    
  
  PART IMarie Grosholtz
  
    
  
  Chapter 1Boiling Point
  
    
  
  Chapter 2Marie and Dr Curtius
  
    
  
  Chapter 3The Resort of Talented Men
  
    
  
  PART IISurviving the French Revolution
  
    
  
  Chapter 4Mounting Tensions
  
    
  
  Chapter 5Prisoners of the People
  
    
  
  Chapter 6Celebrations
  
    
  
  Chapter 7Setting the Stage
  
    
  
  Chapter 8War with Austria and the September Massacres
  
    
  
  Chapter 9The End of the Monarchy
  
    
  
  Chapter 10The Beginning of Terror
  
    
  
  Chapter 11Peak and Fall of Robespierre
  
    
  
  Chapter 12The End of Terror
  
    
  
  Chapter 13Becoming Madame Tussaud
  
    
  
  Chapter 14New Directions
  
    
  
  PART III Madame Tussaud Goes to the United Kingdom
  
    
  
  Chapter 15United Kingdom
  
    
  
  Chapter 16Touring
  