The Three Musketeers is a classic novel full of intrigue, friendships, adventure and love. The central character is the brave, young hero d’Artagnan. Les Trois Mousquetaires was published in 1844 by French novelist Alexandre Dumas. But d’Artagnan and the Musketeers were real 17th century characters and NOT fiction. Dumas did however take some liberties withContinue reading “The Real Musketeer d’Artagnan, Fact vs Fiction”
Tag Archives: France
Diane de Poitiers, Royal Mistress Extraordinaire
Diane de Poitiers was a remarkable 16th century courtesan, the mistress of French King Henri II. She wielded considerable power and influence at the French court, garnering considerable wealth along the way. All this, despite a royal rivalry between Diane and Henry’s wife, Queen Catherine de Medici. The Queen and Diane loathed each other andContinue reading “Diane de Poitiers, Royal Mistress Extraordinaire”
The Beast of Gevaudan – the Werewolf Origin Story
In the mid-1760’s, a mysterious wolf-like creature ravaged the countryside of Gévaudan, France. Over 100 men, women and children were savagely killed. The so-called Bête du Gévaudan, or Beast of Gevaudan, tore out the throats of its victims and mutilated their organs. No one knew what it was — or how to stop it –Continue reading “The Beast of Gevaudan – the Werewolf Origin Story”
Napoleon’s Failed Invasion of Russia
French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was without a doubt one of the most brilliant leaders in history. Nevertheless, his Invasion of Russia in 1812 was one of the worst military disasters ever undertaken.
The Long and Storied Life of Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel is truly an astonishing site. An awe-inspiring Gothic/Renaissance Abbey rising out the sea like something from Game of Thrones. Today it’s referred to as the “Wonder of the West,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 3 million visitors a year. But how on earth did such a gem get in such a place?Continue reading “The Long and Storied Life of Mont-Saint-Michel”
Both Germany and the Allies used Poison Gas in World War I
The horrors that man is capable of unleashing upon his enemy during warfare reached its pinnacle during World War I, when BOTH slides liberally used Poison Gas against each other.