Let's be clear: this is not a book with a plot in the traditional sense. 'Autels Privilégiés' (Privileged Altars) is a curated tour through the mind and memories of one of history's great characters. Montesquiou acts as our guide through the glittering, gossip-filled world of late 19th-century Parisian high society.

The Story

Think of it as a series of vivid portraits and set pieces. Montesquiou doesn't tell a linear story of his life. Instead, he builds his world altar by altar. Each chapter is dedicated to a person, a place, or an idea he worshipped: the beauty of a sunset, the genius of a poet like Verlaine or Mallarmé, the exquisite decor of his own homes, or the allure of famous actresses like Sarah Bernhardt. He recounts conversations, describes interiors in lavish detail, and offers his sharp, often catty, opinions on everyone and everything. The 'story' is the construction of Robert de Montesquiou as a work of art.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book for its sheer audacity. Reading it feels like being granted a backstage pass to a spectacular, bygone era. Yes, Montesquiou can be insufferably vain and his prose is deliberately ornate, but that's the point. He's performing for you. Beneath the glitter, you see a man fiercely dedicated to beauty and artistic principle, who shaped the tastes of his time. It's also incredibly funny in parts—his witty put-downs and dramatic pronouncements are a joy. You're not getting an objective history; you're getting a masterclass in personal branding from a pre-internet influencer.

Final Verdict

This is a book for a specific, but wonderful, kind of reader. Perfect for lovers of Proust who want to meet a real-life character from that world, or for anyone fascinated by the Belle Époque, art for art's sake, and the history of celebrity. If you enjoy eccentric diaries, lush descriptive writing, and a narrator who is utterly convinced of his own importance, you'll be mesmerized. If you prefer fast-paced plots and relatable narrators, you might find it a challenging altar at which to worship. For me, it was a total delight.