Pop Culture

The V.F. Index: What to Read and Buy This Month

In the mid-1800s, two mutable rulers—one in France, the other in Beaver Island, Michigan—embarked on quests for power. These books chart their rise, fall, and fallout.
Keziah Weir

The Betrayal of the Duchess (Basic Books)

In vivid detail, Maurice Samuels elucidates the little-known tale of Duchesse de Berry, who raised a militia to restore France’s Bourbon dynasty and unwittingly set in motion a spate of anti-Semitism still visible today.

The King of Confidence (Little, Brown)

Miles Harvey’s rollicking story, ripe for a Hollywood treatment, follows the charismatic Mormon sect leader James Strang as he entices followers to his religious colony, declares himself king of earth and heaven, and dies a martyr’s death.

The Comeback Kids

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their royal exit and desire for financial independence, some wondered what that would mean. Sure, Meghan was a self-made millionaire before she met Harry, but other than his years in the military, he’s never had a job outside the family firm. Herewith, a little résumé polishing and career advice for the dynamic duo.

Erin Vanderhoof

Meghan Markle

Illustrations by Lauren Tamaki.
  1. Broke the royal press cartel with a single Instagram post

  2. Joined a cathartic dance circle while raising awareness for gender-based violence in Cape Town

  3. Revived the lost art of incredibly ornate calligraphy in her personal correspondences

Career Paths: corporate shrink, morning-show host, lifestyle blogger, chess master

Prince Harry

Illustrations by Lauren Tamaki.

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