Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser

This historical biography provides an in-depth look at the life of the last Queen of France before the French Revolution. It delves into her Austrian origins, her marriage to Louis XVI, and her role in the opulent and politically turbulent court of Versailles. The book portrays her as a woman more complex and sympathetic than the often portrayed frivolous queen, examining her personal relationships, her struggles with the hostile French public, and her ultimate tragic end at the guillotine. Through meticulous research, the narrative aims to dispel the myths surrounding her legacy, offering a nuanced account of her life and the tumultuous era she lived in.

The 7013th greatest book of all time

Ranking Details:

Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:

Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.

Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:

  • Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
  • Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.

Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.

This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.

Total Points: 84

Since this book was first published in 2001, there is a penalty of 43.2%. The age adjusted score is 47.71.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.