Catherine de Medici by Leonie Frieda

Catherine de Medici is probably the most well known Queen of France in the Valois Dynasty. Similar to Marie Antonette, Catherine de Medici is known not for the suffering France caused her, but the supposed civil wars and trouble she brought to France. Born a Merchant's daughter, she was often looked down at by the court. She endured the court's insult, her husband's mistress meddling in caring for her children, and showed no favorites between the two powerful house in the court. She lived to be consort to 3 of her sons as King of France. Successfully protecting the country for her unappreciative sons.

She is also known as the mother in law to Henry of Navarre, the first Bourbon King of France; and Mary Queen of Scott.

This book is very lengthy and gives much information on the "current" political situations. I most appreciate the author's translation of the various passage in French.

A great book that shine a new light on the Queen character.