"All his life, he had but one God and one love."

[bingblot]

Just finished reading 'Courtesan' by Diane Haeger about the relationship between Henri II of France and Diane de Poitiers. They are my second-favorite historical couple-- second to John of Gaunt and Katherine Swynford, who are my favorite more because of my greater loyalty to all things England than for any other reason-- although the fact that

Comments

[emiliap]

Wow, after reading your post I really want to read both of those books! I love historical fiction. I'll have to remember them next time I get out to a bookstore.

[marie_j_granger]

Diane was, indeed, beautiful. And as we discussed in your last post, I have no love for Catherine. I'll definitely put Courtesan on my birthday list.

Have you seen the Doctor Who episode "Girl in the Fireplace" about Madame de Pompadour? She was another brilliant mistress of a French king.

You make a really interesting point about the French Revolution. It is awful that so much beautiful and important history was destroyed. However, if the Magna Carta hadn't been around since 1215, the English might have been as bitter toward their Lords and Kings as the French were toward their nobility. Then again, it really only granted rights *to* the nobles, so who knows?

[bingblot]

I don't think the Magna Carta can really be thanked for that. A lot, I think, has to do with the British temperament/culture where they seem less likely to go into mad mindless rages, destroying things. They have a culture of respecting history more than most countries, I think. That's what bothers me about the French REvolution is that it was so absolutely INSANE. The people had legitimate grievances, yes, but no one was trying to solve it in any way that would have worked. Instead they just went berserk which did nothing but lead to even worse tyranny! (As could probably have been expected

[marie_j_granger]

The British people can go mad, but I think you have a valid point about the difference between their temperaments and those of the French, especially when you're talking about respect for history. And I agree that the revolution was bloody, largely pointless, and led to Napoleon which meant even more blood spilled, both by the French and their neighbors.

Oh do get addicted, dear! ;) My younger brother has our boxed set of the 'first series' (actually the 27th season, featuring Christopher Eccleston) right now, but if you're interested we could loan them to you when he's done. Or, if you really don't want to get addicted, many of the episodes stand alone and you could probably watch "Girl in the Fireplace" on its own with minimal confusion.

Anyway, I understand the differences with Diane and Madame de Pompadour. I'll add Courtesan to my library list if you don't think it merits owning. Especially if it's bawdy it's best to keep it off my birthday list (not that I mind the occasional smut fic of course!) ;)

*hugs back*