Subject
Mattioli, Ercole Antonio, conte, 1640-1703 Books
Best books
Frantz Funck-Brentano
Legends of the Bastille
"Legends of the Bastille" by Frantz Funck-Brentano is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the myths and realities surrounding the infamous Bastille fortress, exploring the lives of its prisoners and the treatment they received. The narrative aims to separate fact from fiction, shedding light on the often romanticized views of the Bastille as a place of horror and despair. The opening of the work establishes the contrasting perceptions of the Bastille, describing its imposing structure and the layers of mystery that surrounded it. Funck-Brentano discusses the popular legends that arose from the fortress, often amplified by former prisoners like Latude and Linguet, who depicted their experiences in dramatic terms. The author intends to challenge these longstanding myths by presenting well-researched historical evidence, revealing that many prisoners actually lived relatively comfortable lives while imprisoned, and that the nature of confinement at the Bastille was markedly different from popular belief.
George Agar Ellis Dover
The True History of the State Prisoner, commonly called the Iron Mask Extracted from Documents in the French Archives
"The True History of the State Prisoner, commonly called the Iron Mask" by the Hon. George Agar Ellis is a historical account written in the early 19th century. The book investigates the long-standing mystery surrounding the identity of the historical figure known as the Iron Mask, exploring documents from the French archives that could potentially reveal his true identity. With a focus on a key character, Hercules Anthony Matthioli, the narrative delves into the intrigues of 17th-century political machinations, particularly those involving Louis XIV of France. The beginning of the work sets the stage for a thorough examination of the history of the Iron Mask, highlighting the public's fascination with this enigmatic figure for over a century. Ellis criticizes previous works, particularly one by M. Delort, for their confusing and overly flattering portrayals of Louis XIV while misrepresenting the significance of Matthioli's case. He presents an outline of the historical context surrounding Matthioli's life, detailing his ties to the Dukedom of Mantua and the political complexities that led to his imprisonment. The initial chapters promise a scrupulous analysis of the documents that purportedly confirm Matthioli as the true identity of the Iron Mask, thereby providing a compelling narrative steeped in historical intrigue and the quest for truth.
Marius Topin
The man with the iron mask
"The Man with the Iron Mask" by Marius Topin is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book delves into one of the most intriguing enigmas of history—the identity of the mysterious prisoner known as the Man with the Iron Mask, famously associated with the reign of Louis XIV in France. It examines various theories surrounding this character, exploring prominent figures believed to be the masked man, and offers detailed accounts of the political and personal intricacies of the time. At the start of the narrative, we learn about the arrival of the Man with the Iron Mask at the Bastille in 1698, shrouded in secrecy under the watchful eye of his gaoler, Saint-Mars. The introduction paints a dramatic picture of the circumstances surrounding his imprisonment and eventual death five years later, which has long fascinated historians and the public alike. Topin introduces us to the historical context, hinting at the wide array of theories proposed regarding the prisoner's identity, including notions of royal lineage and political intrigue, setting the stage for an exhaustive examination of the societal and historical factors that have conspired to keep this individual’s identity a lingering mystery.
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