In this podcast, the guest Natalie Clifford Barney, an incredibly privileged woman, discusses her upbringing, young adult life in Paris, and massive inheritance. Topics covered include her close bond with her sister, her attraction to girls, scandalous poetry, and the ancestral wealth left by her father.
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Quick takeaways
Natalie Clifford Barney defied societal expectations by expressing her non-conformity and exploring same-sex relationships.
Natalie's significant inheritance provided her with financial independence, enabling her to pursue her creative passions without limitations.
Deep dives
Natalie Clifford Barney's Upbringing and Young Adult Life
Natalie Clifford Barney was born to wealthy parents in Ohio in 1876. Her childhood was financially comfortable but marred by her parents' strained marriage. Despite societal expectations, Natalie expressed her non-conformity, refusing to wear corsets and riding horses astride. She also realized her attraction to women at a young age and began exploring same-sex relationships. Her first love was Eva Palmer, and their relationship included a physical aspect. Natalie's unorthodox choices scandalized society and her parents, but she remained true to herself.
Natalie Clifford Barney's Published Work and Reputation
In 1900, Natalie published her first book of poetry, which contained love poems to women. This book, titled 'Kelk Portre Sonnet de Femme,' scandalized society, and her father went to great lengths to buy and destroy all the copies. Despite backlash and the loss of some friends, Natalie continued to live her life on her own terms, earning a reputation as a notorious pursuer of women. She had a tumultuous relationship with poet Pauline Tarn and engaged in polyamorous relationships, advocating for non-monogamy.
Challenges in Natalie Clifford Barney's Relationships
Natalie's relationships with women were often complicated, experiencing jealousy and possessiveness. Some partners struggled with her involvement with others, while Natalie sometimes tried to restrict her partners' relationships. Despite the drama and challenges, Natalie maintained lifelong friendships with many of her former partners, showcasing her capacity for ongoing connections.
Death of Natalie Clifford Barney's Father and Inheritance
Upon her father's death in 1902, Natalie and her family inherited significant wealth, making her financially independent. The inheritance allowed Natalie to live life on her own terms and pursue her creative passions without financial limitations. This newfound independence would significantly impact her future endeavors.
Natalie Clifford Barney was an incredibly privileged woman who hobnobbed with many notable intellectual and artistic figures in history. Part one covers her upbringing, her young adult life in Paris, and her massive inheritance.
Research:
Barney, Natalie Clifford. “POEMS & POÈMES: autres alliances.” Paris and New York. 1920. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/49942/49942-h/49942-h.htm
Conliffe, Ciaran. “Natalie Clifford Barney, Queen Of The Paris Lesbians.” HeadStuff. 9/25/2017. https://headstuff.org/culture/history/natalie-clifford-barney-queen-of-the-paris-lesbians/
Craddock, James. “Barney, Natalie.” Encyclopedia of World Biography (Vol. 33. 2nd ed.). 2013.
Engelking, Tama Lea. “The Literary Friendships of Natalie Clifford Barney: The Case of Lucie Delarue-Mardrus.” Women in French Studies, Volume 7, 1999, pp. 100-116. https://doi.org/10.1353/wfs.1999.0007
“Natalie Clifford Barney.” Encyclopedia of World Biography Online. 2023.
Goodman, Lanie. “Wealthy, Scandalous and Powerful.” France Today. February/March 2020.
O’Neil, Shannon Leigh. “A Steamy Novel From ‘the Amazon.’” The Gay & Lesbian Review. March-April 2017.
Rapazzini, Francesco. “Elisabeth de Gramont, Natalie Barney's ‘Eternal Mate.’” South Central Review , Fall, 2005, Vol. 22, No. 3, Natalie Barney and Her Circle (Fall, 2005). https://www.jstor.org/stable/40039992
Ray, Chelsea. “Natalie Barney (1876-1972): Writer, salon hostess, and eternal friend. Interview with Jean Chalon.” Women in French Studies, Volume 30, 2022, pp. 154-169. https://doi.org/10.1353/wfs.2022.0012
Robertson, Kieran. “Amazon, Empress, and Friend: The Life of Natalie Clifford Barney.” Ohio History Connection. https://www.ohiohistory.org/amazon-empress-and-friend-the-life-of-natalie-clifford-barney/
Rodriguez, Suzanne. “Wild Heart: Natalie Clifford Barney and the Decadence of Literary Paris.” Harper Collins. 2003.
Washington Post. “This Was Love Indeed!” 5/7/1911. https://www.newspapers.com/image/19409771/
Wickes, George. “A Natalie Barney Garland.” The Paris Review. Issue 61, Spring 1975. https://www.theparisreview.org/letters-essays/3870/a-natalie-barney-garland-george-wickes