"This collection of new essays about the Earl of Essex, one of the most important figures of the Elizabethan court, resituates his life and career within the richly diverse contours of his cultural and political milieu. It identifies the ways in which his biography has been vari…
Collection of new essays about the earl of Essex, one of the most important figures of the Elizabethan court.
"This collection of new essays about the Earl of Essex, one of the most important figures of the Elizabethan court, resituates his life and career within the richly diverse contours of his cultural and political milieu. It identifies the ways in which his biography has been vari…
Collection of new essays about the earl of Essex, one of the most important figures of the Elizabethan court.
Agnès Sorel (1428-1450), beautiful favourite of Charles VII of France and first in the long genealogy of French royal mistresses, was mysteriously poisoned in the prime of life. Agnès, part of a network of royal "favourites," is equally interesting for her political activity. An…
Agnès Sorel (1428-1450), beautiful favourite of Charles VII of France and first in the long genealogy of French royal mistresses, was mysteriously poisoned in the prime of life. Agnès, part of a network of royal "favourites," is equally interesting for her political activity. An…
Agnès Sorel (1428-1450), beautiful favourite of Charles VII of France and first in the long genealogy of French royal mistresses, was mysteriously poisoned in the prime of life. Agnès, part of a network of royal "favourites," is equally interesting for her political activity. An…
Chronicles five hundred years of adultery in European monarchy, discussing how royal mistresses influenced every aspect of European history, and profiling notable women and the kings who loved them.
Curiously, the main function of a royal mistress was not to provide the king with sex but with companionship. The successful royal mistress made herself irreplaceable. She was ready to converse gaily with him when she was tired, make love until all hours when she was ill, and ca…
A five-century history of royal courtesan life offers insight into the motivations and experiences of some of Europe's most famous and influential royal mistresses, including the Marquise de Pompadour, Madame du Barry, and Camilla Parker-Bowles.