Kings throughout medieval and early modern Europe had extraconjugal sexual partners. Only in France, however, did the royal mistress become a quasi-institutiona

From the author of The King's Favorite-a new novel based on a dazzling and decadent true story of Restoration England. The daughter of a poor nobleman, Louise l

Tells the history of the French Renaissance through the lives of its most prominent queens and mistresses.

"First published in the United Kingdom by Icon Books Ltd"--Title page verso.