From a young age he was taught to steer his way blindfolded through labyrinths. He has honed the skill at great cost, first navigating through the vagaries of court intrigue, a foreigner and the Dauphin’s favorite, then faced with the brutal realities of war, and later escaping the deadly labyrinths of Fez, and the treacherous … Continue reading Chapter Four- Artful Diversions, by Mordaunt
Ballet Royal de la Nuit
costume of Louis XIV as apollo in the Ballet Royal de la Nuit. costumes by henri de Gissey (c.1621-1673) Louis XIV, indeed recited these verses on February 23,1653 at the Ballet Royal de la Nuit, written by Isaac de Benserade. The music for the ballet was written by Jean de Cambefort, Jean-Baptise Boesset, Michel Lambert, … Continue reading Ballet Royal de la Nuit
The d’ Artagnan Romances & “Between Two Kings”
Alexandre Dumas, c. 1859–1870. Carte de Visite Collection, Boston Public Library/ Le Siecle- original publications (1844 & 1847) Written by Alexandre Dumas in collaboration with Auguste Maquet, whose story and strained collaboration with Dumas deserves its own post, the d' Artagnan romances remain the main inspiration for all versions of the Musketeer story, including the BBC … Continue reading The d’ Artagnan Romances & “Between Two Kings”
Twelve Years After 