The Essence of Style

Discover the birth of haute cuisine, celebrity hairdressers, chic cafes, nightlife, and fashion that were established by the French under Louis XIV, the Sun King. Follow Joan DeJean's account of how the French set the standards of sophistication, style, and glamour that still impact us today. Learn about the dominance of the luxury trade that continues to this day and how it would have been a different world without Louis XIV's program for redefining France as the land of luxury and glamour. Written with wit and elan, "The Essence of Style" is a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the definition of good taste.