Arnoldiana, ou Sophie Arnould et ses contemporaines;

A lively anthology gathers the most memorable quips, anecdotes, and sharp rejoinders that once floated through the salons of Paris. Centered on the celebrated singer‑actress Sophie Arnould, whose quick wit made her a favorite among the elite, the volume captures the playful spirit of the late‑18th‑century cultural scene. The editor has painstakingly rescued many obscure stories, presenting them alongside a concise biography that sketches her career and her ties to the Imperial Academy of Music.

Beyond the laughter, the collection serves as a window onto the social dynamics of the era—showing how actresses, singers, dancers and courtesans shaped opinions and fashions. Readers will hear the same clever repartees that enlivened gatherings at the Palais‑Royal, revealing the blend of artistry and libertine humor that defined the period. Though arranged as a series of stand‑alone episodes, the work paints a vivid portrait of a world where words themselves were a form of performance.