Reading this book introduced me to the most scheming and wicked woman that I believed ever lived. It was hard to read at times but I did want to know what she would do next. Catherine de Medici worshiped power. Nothing else. To obtain it she would do what she had to do to gain influence. She poisoned some, persuaded others of the dangers of individuals, hired assassins, used doctors, clergymen and noblemen to influence the lives of so many.
The people of Paris calle her Queen Jezabel, a name she certainly earned. Of course, she was not responsible for all that she was accused of doing but she did so much that France was plunged into a bloody month beginning on Aug. 24, 1572. Conflict between the Catholics and Huguenots began in Paris and spread throughout the country. Thousands, particularly Huguenots including children and babies, were murdered.
The country's economy was shattered. Some of those involved were so distraught that they became caught up in the blood bath that they committed suicide. But this was only the beginning of the strife. France had to live through yet more blood letting during the War of the Henrys. For the full tale, read this book from cover to cover. She was one wicked woman.
The people of Paris calle her Queen Jezabel, a name she certainly earned. Of course, she was not responsible for all that she was accused of doing but she did so much that France was plunged into a bloody month beginning on Aug. 24, 1572. Conflict between the Catholics and Huguenots began in Paris and spread throughout the country. Thousands, particularly Huguenots including children and babies, were murdered.
The country's economy was shattered. Some of those involved were so distraught that they became caught up in the blood bath that they committed suicide. But this was only the beginning of the strife. France had to live through yet more blood letting during the War of the Henrys. For the full tale, read this book from cover to cover. She was one wicked woman.
August 24th 1572 madness seized Catholic Paris. The cobbles were stained with Huguenot blood. The carnival of butchery begun by th ebell of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois raged unchecked.
To her other crimes Catherine de'Medici now added the infamy of St Bartholomew's Eve. Worshipping no god save power she lived only to rule through her tained offspring. None of her children -mad Charles, perverted Anjou, deformed Alencon and the wonton Margot-tursted the Queen Morher. None loved her. And all France feared her.
To her other crimes Catherine de'Medici now added the infamy of St Bartholomew's Eve. Worshipping no god save power she lived only to rule through her tained offspring. None of her children -mad Charles, perverted Anjou, deformed Alencon and the wonton Margot-tursted the Queen Morher. None loved her. And all France feared her.
Queen Catherine de Medici of France, after the death of her husband, Henry II
