Laura O'Brien

Laura O’Brien, Associate Professor at Northumbria University and author, shares fascinating insights on Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France. She discusses the queen's tumultuous transition from Austrian princess to a scapegoat of royal excess amid revolutionary fervor. O’Brien addresses the role of misogyny and xenophobia in shaping Antoinette's legacy, and whether she really said, ‘Let them eat cake.’ The conversation delves into her struggles, scandals, and the complex portrayal of a woman at the heart of a revolution.

Laura O’Brien, außerordentliche Professorin und Expertin für französische Karikatur- und Republikgeschichte, liefert fachliche Einschübe zur Figur Marie-Antoinettes. Es geht um ihre wienerische Herkunft und das Leben am Hof. Weitere Themen sind Mode, Skandale wie die Halsbandaffäre, die Flucht nach Varennes und ihr Weg von königlicher Ikone zur verhassten Symbolfigur der Revolution.

Never mind the famous battles, who was the real Napoleon and what events turned him from a young Corsican officer to one of history’s greatest figures? Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Dan Schreiber and historian Dr Laura O’Brien.Produced by Dan Morelle Script and research by Emma Nagouse Radio edit by Cornelius MendezA Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4.