Devil in the Holy Water, or the Art of Slander from Louis XIV to Napoleon

Immerse yourself in the intriguing world of 18th-century France with Devil in the Holy Water, or the Art of Slander from Louis XIV to Napoleon by Robert Darnton. Published by the University of Pennsylvania Press in 2011, this captivating paperback spans 552 pages, delving into the scandalous literature of libel and the vibrant lives of those who wielded it. Darnton expertly illustrates how the ideological currents of libel challenged the authority of the Old Regime, ultimately influencing the radical political landscape under Robespierre. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the interplay of literature, politics, and social change during a pivotal era in French history. Discover how the art of slander shaped a nation and the lives of its people.