"The Idler in France" by Marguerite Gardiner, Countess of Blessington, is a captivating travelogue and memoir that immerses readers in the cultural riches of 19th-century France. Through Gardiner's experiential narrative, readers embark on a journey across Europe, delving into the vibrant tapestry of French society and artistic circles. As an aristocrat and literary figure, Gardiner offers unique insights into the cultural landscape of her time, weaving together observations of literary salons, social commentary, and encounters with the French aristocracy. With a blend of romanticism and realism, Gardiner's narrative captures the essence of European travel during the 19th century, providing readers with a vivid portrait of France and its people. From the bustling streets of Paris to the serene countryside, Gardiner's exploration of French culture is both enlightening and enchanting. "The Idler in France" stands as a testament to Gardiner's keen eye for detail and her ability to convey the essence of a time and place through her writing. It is a captivating memoir that offers readers a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of 19th-century France through the lens of one woman's experiential narrative.
Marguerite Gardiner, the Countess of Blessington, was an Irish novelist, journalist, and literary hostess. She met Lord Byron in Genoa and later published a book about their chats. Margaret Power was born near Clonmel in County Tipperary, Ireland, as the daughter of Edmund Power and Ellen Sheehy, both small landowners. She described herself as "haphazardly educated by her own reading and by her mother's friend Ann Dwyer." Marguerite later relocated to Hampshire to reside for five years with the family of Captain Thomas Jenkins of the 11th Light Dragoons, a kind and erudite military officer. Jenkins presented her to Irishman Charles John Gardiner, 1st Earl of Blessington, a widower with four children (two legitimate), seven years her senior. They married on February 16, 1818, at St Mary's in Bryanston Square, Marylebone, just four months after her first husband died. She was noted by her remarkable beauty, charm, and wit, as well as her generosity and lavish preferences, which she shared with her second husband. On August 25, 1822, they embarked on a continental journey with Marguerite's younger sister, Mary Anne, 21 years old, and servants.
