Mademoiselle de Montpensier ─ Writings, Ch漮eaux, and Female Self-Construction in Early Modern France

"Mademoiselle de Montpensier : Writing, Chãateaux, and Female Self-Construction in Early Modern France examines questions of self-construction in the works of Anne-Marie-Louise d'Orlâeans, Duchesse de Montpensier (1627-1693), the wealthiest unmarried woman in Europe at the time, a pro-women advocate, author of memoirs, letters and novels, and the commissioner of four chãateaux and other buildings throughout France, including Saint-Fargeau, Champigny-sur-Veude, Eu, and Choisy-le-roi. An NEH-funded project, this study explores the interplay between writing and the symbolic import of chãateaux to examine Montpensier's strategies to establish herself as a woman with autonomy and power in early modern France"--Provided by publisher.

Sophie Marinez, Ph.D. (2010), The Graduate Center, City University of New York, is Associate Professor of French and Spanish at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, City University of New York.