[In 16th century European society] Marriage was the triumphal arch through which women, almost without exception, had to pass in order to reach the public eye. And after marriage followed, in theory, the total self-abnegation of the woman.

That is my major concern: writers who are in prison for writing.

I have seen all, I have heard all, I have forgotten all. marie antoinette

People in my books tend to get their just deserts, even if not at the hands of the police.

It can be a long gap between the emergence of fully researched historical biographies.

As the Dauphine stepped out of her carriage on to the ceremonial carpet that had been laid down, it was the Duc de Choiseul who was given the privilege of the first salute. Presented with the Duc by Prince Starhemberg, Marie Antoinette exclaimed: 'I shall never forget that you are responsible for my happiness!

I realize that I had always in my heart of hearts planned to write a biography of Marie Antoinette.