Joanne Hayle

Athenais de Montespan, King Louis XIV of France's Mistress Joanne Hayle

Athénaïs was beautiful, witty, spirited and intelligent. Everything that the Sun King, Louis XIV of France found irresistible. She became Louis' main mistress in the late 1660's and had several children with him, much to the outrage of her less than tolerant husband. He was not the willing cuckold that he was expected to be. For over a decade Louis was enchanted by Athénaïs and other ladies at the French court were unable to match her. Then teenager Marie-Angélique de Scorailles de Roussille, later Duchesse de Fontanges, appeared and charmed the king. When she died suspiciously during the shocking L'affaire des poisons scandal, accusations of witchcraft, potions, poisons and infanticide circulated at Louis XIV's court and Athénaïs de Montespan was named as a central figure. This easy to read book explores the fascinating life of one of King Louis XIV of France's mistresses.