Explores the sociogenesis and development of the French royal mistress, examining the careers of nine of the most significant holders of that title between 1444

Kings throughout medieval and early modern Europe had extraconjugal sexual partners. Only in France, however, did the royal mistress become a quasi-institutiona

Tells the history of the French Renaissance through the lives of its most prominent queens and mistresses.

"First published in the United Kingdom by Icon Books Ltd"--Title page verso.

Kings throughout medieval and early modern Europe had extraconjugal sexual partners. Only in France, however, did the royal mistress become a quasi-institutiona