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

Rating:
Summary: Scholarly book
Review: A skillfully written biography of two strong, influencial women in the French court during the sixteenth century. Diane de Poitiers is a beautiful, intelligent and compassionate person. Catherine de Midici is a clever, patient and angry individual. Both women love Henri II. Catherine is his wife, but Diane has his complete love. A classic triangle with a surprise ending.
The author presents a clear picture of the French court during the reigns of both Francois II and Henri I. The power of women over these two kings is interesting. One of the most influential was Louise de Savoie, mother of Francois and grandmother of Henri. Her obsession with Charles de Montpensier, Duc de Bourbon, almost destroyed the kingdom.
I was disapponted the author did not put more emphasis on the political actions of Marguerite of Austria. She was the child-queen of France from 1483-1492. When her husband Charles XII had his marriage annulled she never forgot this humiliation. Throughout her lifetime she made trouble for France in her position as regent for her nephew, Charles V. However, she did not let her negative feelings prevent her from saving the future king of France. She was responsible, together with her chilhood friend, Louise de Savoie, for the release of the dauphin Francois and his younger brother, Henri, from prison in Spain.
The author uses a wide variety of reference materials from five centuries to validate her portrayal of French history. I am particularly impressed by the number of French references cited.
I liked the style of writing, particularly the rhetorical questions used to clarify the intentions of the characters. I recommend the book for those who are interested in the details of court life in France during the Renaissance.

Reviewer: Diana Potter Burnell,PH.D. author of Machiavelli's Hero: Ferdinand the Catholic of Spain. A Novel


Rating:
Summary: A Mistress of Power and a Queen of Hate
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: HATE AND WRITE
Review: I couldn't believe how much hatred the author had towards Catherine de Medici and how much she admired a devious woman like Diane. Her unflattering comments about Catherine weren't tasetful at all. What has happened to the English aristocracy today?

Rating:
Summary: A skewed view; obviously anti medici
Review: I found this history of Henri II, Catherine de' Medici and Diane de Poitiers interesting for about the first third of the book. After that I found Princess Michael of Kent a hateful author. If she wanted to write a more flattering view of the King's Concubine that's fine but there was no reason whatsoever to be so hateful about Catherine De' Medici over and over she says Catherine could "Hate and Wait". She reduces the queen to a fat ineffectual brood mare and raises what is essentially the King's courtesan into a woman of dignity, class, and peity. It makes me wonder if this book is really about an historic french king or if it is about the current crown prince of England and his mistress.

Rating:
Summary: Quite a steamy and spicy historical read!
Review: I was surprised at how steamy and sexy this book was. You go Princess Michael! Your husband the Duke must be a very lucky man! The historical setting just added to the spice. This is the kind of book that I imagine Jackie Onassis Kennedy would have had on her night table or in the guest room. And a beautiful cover illustration makes it very decorative.

Rating:
Summary: A skewed view of the King's concubine
Review: Princess Michael of Kent takes a very romantic view of Diane De Poiters. Poor Catherine De Medici is in love with her husband, but is villified for being unattractive and infertile. Of course, even after giving birth to 10 children, she is still way down on the list of her husband's preferences. Diane, 19 years the senior of the King, takes full advantage of his adolescent favor and obtains perferments for her children and great riches for herself. I couldn't help feeling sorry for Catherine. The only reason that Diane didn't get rid of Catherine ( in her 10 years of infertility) was because Diane was afraid that a younger wife might be more attractive to the King and eclipse her. I came away not admiring Diane one bit.

Rating:
Summary: A marvellous read about a fascinating woman
Review: 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.