The Serpent and the Moon: Two Rivals for the Love of a Renaissance King

After reading the novel "Courtesean" by Diane Haeger, I was thrilled to discover The Serpent And The Moon. Princess Michael of Kent did an extraordinary job of researching and writing her book, and presented her facts in a nice and easy-to-read manner. Although most feel that she was biased against Catherine de Medici, I found this, in my opinion, to be the opposite. I think Princess Michael was able to present the facts, and she pointed out many attributes of Catherine, such as her ability to become a "quick study" when circumstances called for it. She was noted as being highly fashionable, cultured, and a woman of brains, overall. The proof that she was able to run a country for many years shows Catherine's skills and brilliance. Princess Michael pointed out that Catherine knew balance and how to maintain this when needed, as well as how to be resourcesful. For such a time as Renaissance France, Catherine was no more evil or viscious than anyone else at that time. The author also indicates that she did not exonerate or uphold Diane de Poitiers' behavior or choices in her relationship with King Henri, but wished to present the facts, which she nicely did. I loved this book, and after reading "Courtesan", found that it wrapped up this time in history with an informative overview of how events occurred and the people that influenced them. A "Well Done!!" to Princess Michael.

This is one of the few books in English about the intriguing life of Diane de Poiters, mistress of Henri II. Princess Michael handles her material very deftly, giving the reader background of the childhoods of Henri II including his 4-year imprisonment in Spain, Catherine de' Medici his future wife and Diane de Poitiers. The stage is thus set for Henri's strong attraction to Diane and his almost complete lack of interest in Catherine, who, tragically, fell hopelessly in love with Henri at 14 when they were wed. The rivalry between the two women was intense and Princess Michael's treatment of it makes for a page-turning read. A real plus are pages of beautiful color photos of the main figures and places, as well as many black and white pictures of other key persons interspersed throughout. This is an exceedingly well-researched, and as importantly, well-written and engaging book. It rivals popular historical novels for pure entertainment value.

"The Serpent and The Moon: Two Rivals for the Love of a Renaissance King" is absolutely wonderful. Princess Michael of Kent derived a breathtaking wealth of information from original sources and made the people and the times come alive. I hated finishing it. Accordingly, I immediately turned to "Queen of Scots : The True Life of Mary Stuart," by John Guy, Houghton Mifflin, 2005 to read about some of the same people from the vantage point of Scotland, and enjoyed it just as much. Both books are admirably scholarly. That both books read as fluently as historical novels is a tribute to the story-telling skills of both historians.

This one of the best books I've read all year. Not only does Princess Michael discuss the relationship between Henry II, Diane and Catherine, but she touches on much of the Social History of Aristocratic Renaissance France. Her careful research, along with her connections to various aristocratic circles, made the forward an intriguing read in itself. Diane has often been overshadowed by the other royal mistress--the Marquise de Pompadour, but Diane was from an aristocratic line, and the author makes clear Diane's "claim" to special protection and esteem. Catherine de Medici WAS dumpy, fat, and one has to feel pity for all who faced these arranged marriages. I loved the descriptions of Anet and Diane's special motif of the crescent moon, the deer, and the changes that Catherine made to erase her rival's influence. Her preference for Black and White, her attention to cozy domestic details made Diane seem all the more alive--and the author's connection to both characters added just the "fillip" to an already wonderful book.

Although primarily focused on Diane de Poitier during her passionately entertwined life with Henri at court, the other major players are equally weighted in significant detail in this sentimental and lovingly protrayed account. In particular, Catherine de Medici takes on an almost human - if not humane - form unlike perhaps any prior historical account to include her life. From the opening pomp and ceremony to the tragically crowded death chamber of the king from which she was barred, Diane's tenous but enduring power is described and justified by well presented historical facts. Worthwhile, also, are the insights into the motivations of other members of the court. Horrific details are not left out, but the beauty associated with the Renaissance era permeate the book from cover to cover. The artwork alone is worth the purchase of the book.