The house of Valois ruled France for 250 years, playing a crucial role in its establishment as a major European power. This extremely well-written and structured book will appeal to the general reader.

First Published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

It is the year 1589, and on a cold and wet January evening, Catherine de Medici, Queen Mother of France, lies close to death. For the people of this war torn country her demise will be welcome news. This is the end of the evil Jezebel, the mother of Kings and Queens whom she had dominated, manipulated and ultimately destroyed. We journey with Catherine from her early political emergence to her leading role in one of the worst atrocities in European history. We will see why few loved and many feared the woman who would become known as - Madame Serpent.

This carefully crafted ebook: "THE VALOIS TRILOGY: Queen Margot, Chicot de Jester & The Forty-Five Guardsmen" is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents. The Valois Trilogy covers the historical context of French Wars of Religion, during the Valois dynasty. The trilogy contains novels Marguerite de Valois (The Reine Margot), Chicot de Jester (La Dame de Monsoreau) and The Forty-Five Guardsmen. Marguerite de Valois or La Reine Margot is a historical novel set in Paris in August 1572 during the reign of Charles IX. The novel's protagonist is Marguerite de Valois, better known as Margot, daughter of the deceased Henry II and the infamous scheming Catholic power player Catherine de Medici. Chicot de Jester or La Dame de Monsoreau is concerned with fraternal royal strife at the court of Henri III. Tragically caught between the millstones of history are the gallant Count de Bussy and the woman he adores, la Dame de Monsoreau. The action takes place between February and September 1578, six years after the massacre of St. Bartholomew with which La Reine Margot begins. The Forty-Five Guardsmen is the third and final novel of the trilogy of Valois. The action takes place between 1585 and 1586, thirteen years after the massacre of St. Bartholomew. Having succeeded his brother Charles IX, Henry III reigned for ten years without being able to calm the political and religious agitation that delivers the kingdom to factions. Alexandre Dumas, père (1802-1870) was a French writer whose works have been translated into nearly 100 languages and he is one of the most widely read French authors. His most famous works are The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers.

A historical and biographical study of Charles's personality and his role as ruler, 1467-1477, discussing his relationship with his subjects and his neighbours, and giving particular attention to his imperial plans and projects and his clash with the Swiss.

Alexandre Dumas, a renowned French author of the 19th century, has gifted us with three timeless literary classics in one volume: 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' 'The Three Musketeers,' and 'The Man in the Iron Mask.' Dumas' writing style is marked by vivid descriptions, intricate plots, and engaging character development, making his works a true delight for literature enthusiasts. These three novels, set in different historical periods, explore themes of revenge, loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, showcasing Dumas' mastery in blending adventure, romance, and drama into captivating storytelling. The rich historical context and detailed settings immerse readers in a world of intrigue and adventure, with plot twists and suspense keeping them eagerly turning the pages. Alexandre Dumas' own experiences as a prolific playwright and novelist, as well as his fascination with history and politics, provide insight into the depth and complexity of his storytelling. Drawing from his knowledge of French history and literature, Dumas weaves intricate narratives that reflect the societal tensions and moral dilemmas of his time, resonating with readers across generations. His enduring legacy as a literary giant continues to inspire writers and readers alike, cementing his place in the canon of world literature. I highly recommend 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' 'The Three Musketeers,' and 'The Man in the Iron Mask' to anyone seeking a literary masterpiece that seamlessly combines adventure, romance, and drama. Dumas' storytelling prowess and timeless themes make these novels a must-read for those who appreciate classic literature and intricate plots that stand the test of time.