The Serpent and the Moon
Nancy Goldstone’s account of Catherine de’ Medici, Henri II and Diane de Poitiers, the mistress twenty years the king’s senior who held the position Catherine wanted for three decades. Catherine married a second son who was never meant to rule, became queen of France, and outlasted them all to dominate the Wars of Religion.
Recommended by 1 Person
Nancy Goldstone
This book made me think of Princess Diana. But in terms of marriage, Catherine de’ Medici had it much worse. At least Princess Diana was young and beautiful, although of course it is heartbreaking that she died. Catherine de’ Medici was not attractive. She married Henri II, who eventually became the king of France. But Henri was only a second son when he got married, and was never meant to inherit the throne.
Interview · March 2012
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