 | The Trial of Madame Caillaux Subjects: Caillaux Henriette; Caillaux Joseph 1863–1944; Calmette Gaston 1858–1914 -- Assassination; Statesmen’s wives -- France -- Biography; Sex discrimination -- France -- History -- 20th century; Press and politics -- France -- History -- 20th century; Pol; Berenson, professor of history at UCLA, writes a gender micro-history of the Belle Epoque in France (1890-1914) by examining the trial and acquittal of Madame Henriette Caillaux. On March 14, 1914 she fatally shot Gaston Calmette, editor of Le Figaro , motivated by the press campaign he was conducting against her husband, Joseph Caillaux, an influential left-wing cabinet minister. Utilizing courtroom transcripts and press coverage of the proceedings which riveted the attention of the nation, the author presents a carefully researched analysis that yields insights into the years when early feminism was beginning to affect social mores. Through the behavior and statements of the trial's participants, a societal portrait of the complex power relationship between men and women of the period emerges in this fine academic history. Illustrated. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved Berenson Edward : Edward Berenson is Professor of History at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the author of Populist Religion and Left-Wing Politics in France, 1830-1852 (1984). |
