I was very disapointed in this book. It barely scratches the surface. The author refers to her "research" a couple of times in the text, however, it seems shallow. A true understanding and explination of the life and times of this controversial woman is seriously lacking. Not only did it lack analytical depth but it took a very biased (pro-Pompadour) approach. Therefore failing to convey the "Big Picture." There was no flow to the verse and it seemed disorganized. The author herself must have known this because she makes reference to the difficulty of organizing the life of Pompadour into an easily followed timeline. The pictures chosen do not help to glimpse into the world of Pompadour. While the author describes many portraits of her there is only one or 2 pics of her. None of which the author stated was the best likeness of her. For those wanting an understanding of the life of Pompadour and her world I would not recomend this book.

The book is good starting point of learning what Pompadour has done and her impacts on Louis XV's regent. The inserts, e.g. on Voltaire, Pac de Cerf etc are especially interesting and informative.

However, overall, the book lacks depth on the social, political and historical insights. Also, the author quoted lots of other sources, which make it sounds like she herself does not do too much research other than reading other books on Pompadour and quote them. Secondly, the author does not handle the time and paralle events too well and resulting in a very confusing reading and does not really present a very clear big picture. Lastly, like many other books on 18th century european aritstocracies (esp female), the author kept on mentioning Pompadour, tho spent a lot on renovating her various houses, tasteful art collections etc, also spent a lot on charity, thus should not be criticized too harshly. Yet, there is never a real prove that she spent more on charity than on her own luxury taste. Only than, can the author (or anyone) rightfully say Pompadour should not be critized hashly. Especially for aristorcrats, they use tax-payer's money, they do not even work to earn their own money, thus giving to charity should be a given.

The photo inserts are not very rich either, there is only one Pompadour painting, and it is not even by Boucher.

Overall the book is a light read and gives a quick idea of the Pompadour phase of Louis XV regent.