author
Frédéric Barbey
1879–1970
A Swiss historian, diplomat, and humanitarian, he moved between scholarship and public service with unusual ease. His books often reflect a deep interest in European history, royal circles, and the people behind major events.
1 Audiobook
A friend of Marie-Antoinette (Lady Atkyns)
by Frédéric Barbey
About the author
Born in Geneva in 1879, Frédéric Barbey was a Swiss historian and archivist who also built a distinguished diplomatic career. Sources identify him as an archivist-paleographer, historian, and Swiss diplomat, and he is also noted for his work as a humanitarian.
Barbey served as Switzerland's minister plenipotentiary to Belgium, and records linked to his life also describe a long association with the International Committee of the Red Cross, including many years in a leading role. Alongside this public work, he wrote a number of historical books, with subjects ranging from European courts to figures connected with the French Revolution and Marie Antoinette.
He died in 1970. Remembered today through library and authority records in Switzerland and France, he stands out as a writer whose life joined research, diplomacy, and service.