In this lively work, Beatrice K. Otto takes us on a journey around the world in search of one of the most colorful characters in history—the court jester. Though not always clad in cap and bells, these witty, quirky characters crop up everywhere, from the courts of ancient China and the Mogul emperors of India to those of medieval Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. With a wealth of anecdotes, jokes, quotations, epigraphs, and illustrations (including flip art), Otto brings to light little-known jesters, highlighting their humanizing influence on people with power and position and placing otherwise remote historical figures in a more idiosyncratic, intimate light. Most of the work on the court jester has concentrated on Europe; Otto draws on previously untranslated classical Chinese writings and other sources to correct this bias and also looks at jesters in literature, mythology, and drama. Written with wit and humor, Fools Are Everywhere is the most comprehensive look at these roguish characters who risked their necks not only to mock and entertain but also to fulfill a deep and widespread human and social need.

Every King needs a wily advisor. For Henry III of France, it’s Chicot the Jester. Quick witted and a pro at manipulation, Chicot must use all his skills to keep the King (and himself) at the top. The second of Dumas’ "Valois Romances", this novel continues the saga of the powerful Valois dynasty. Intertwined with Chicot’s story is that of Bussy d'Amboise, a gentleman who has fallen for a married woman. With these parallel plotlines, Dumas offer up plenty of cliffhangers, political skullduggery, and secret assignations. "Chicot the Jester" is a great read for fans of courtly intrigue, such as Netlix’s "The Crown" or Hilary Mantel’s "Wolf Hall" trilogy. Alexandre Dumas (1802 - 1870) was a hugely popular 19th Century French writer. Born of mixed French and Haitian heritage, Dumas first rose to prominence in Paris as a playwright, but later gained international fame with his historical fiction. Often co-authored with other writers, these stories wove together swashbuckling adventure, romance, and real events from France’s past. Among the best known are "The Three Musketeers", and its sequels "Twenty Years After", and "Le Vicomte de Bragelonne: Ten Years Later". Set across four decades, this trilogy follows the rise of the dashing D’Artagnan—from hot-headed soldier to trusted captain under Louis XIV. Dumas’ other novels include "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "The Black Tulip". His works have been adapted into more than 200 movies, including The Man in the Iron Mask starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

This carefully crafted ebook: "The Count of Monte Cristo + The Three Musketeers + The Man in the Iron Mask (3 Unabridged Classics)" contains 3 unabridged classic books in one volume and is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents. The Count of Monte Cristo The Three Musketeers The Man in the Iron Mask The Count of Monte Cristo is an adventure novel by Alexandre Dumas, first published in serial form from August 1844 until January 1846. The story takes place in France, Italy, islands in the Mediterranean, and in the Levant during the historical events of 1815–1838. It begins from just before the Hundred Days period and spans through to the reign of Louis-Philippe of France. The historical setting is a fundamental element of the book. It focuses on a man who is wrongfully imprisoned, escapes from jail, acquires a fortune and sets about getting revenge on those responsible for his imprisonment. However, his plans have devastating consequences for the innocent as well as the guilty. The Three Musketeers is a novel by Alexandre Dumas, first published in serial form in 1844. Set in the 17th century, it recounts the adventures of a young man named d'Artagnan after he leaves home to travel to Paris, to join the Musketeers of the Guard. D'Artagnan is not one of the musketeers of the title; those are his friends Athos, Porthos and Aramis, inseparable friends who live by the motto "all for one, one for all", a motto which is first put forth by d'Artagnan. The Man in the Iron Mask climactically concludes the epic adventures of the three Musketeers.