Catherine de Medici is one of history's most fascinating characters. Utterly corrupt, adept at scheming and political intrigues, Catherine de Medici was the ultimate Machiavellian ruler. She was the sixteenth century's most powerful woman, ruling France behind the thrones of three of her sons. She was the real ruler at the illustrious French court, who excelled at spinning her web of deceit. Catherine ruled at a tempestuous time in history, whereupon France was deeply divided by religious conflict and unending wars. Motivated by a desire for power, she believed that the path to success lie in befriending her enemies, and using the power of seduction and charm, she was able to ensnare her opponents. Famous for her troop of sirens, the so called, "Flying Squadron", these trained beautiful female spies were employed by Catherine to infiltrate her enemies to gain intelligence and uncover their intrigues. Famous for her hand in the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre, following the marriage of her daughter to the King of Navarre; Catherine certainly had a darker side. Known for her interest in the dark arts, and necromancy, she would use any means to destroy her opponents. This is a book about the life of Catherine de Medici, from her life as Florentine orphan to her last days, as the queen mother, despairing on her death bed as her lifelong plans lay in ruin.
