July 31, 2006
This smart biography reveals the fascinating life of the woman behind the still-thriving world famous wax museum. In Berridge's capable hands, Madame Tussaud, nee Marie Grosholtz (1761-1850), is presented as "a cultural innovator," the architect behind "the first and most enduring worldwide brand to be identified simply by reference to its founder's name." Berridge uses deft capsule histories of the French Revolution and popular entertainments of the day to support her interpretations of Tussaud's life and work. Dividing her life into three periods-early years, traveling and fame-Berridge critically examines Tussaud's 1838 autobiography, calling into question and reinterpreting much of the press-savvy show woman's complex background, most significantly young Marie's role as French Revolution "victim." Berridge's post-modern analysis of the cultural role played by life size wax likenesses in an era before the photograph is insightful and prescient, especially her reading of Tussaud as a progenitor of the "nascent cult of celebrity" through her tastefully voyeuristic exhibits of the famous and infamous, and her claims of direct connection to many of the figures. Highly recommended for pop culture enthusiasts, biography readers and wax nuts.