French Fortifications, 1715-1815: An Illustrated History Book

Anne Somerset's work often concerns historic royal scandals. Her book The Affair of the Poisons is a reexamination of the poisoning and occult scandal which rocked Paris in the late seventeenth century. The scandal made its way right up to the court of Versailles, eventually even implicating some members of the French king's most intimate circle. The affair itself was an explosive mix of ambition, revenge, superstition, witchcraft, murder, and public hysteria.

Somerset's books are considered as "popular history", though I personally do not find this term to be pejorative. Somerset's research in The Affair of the Poisons is clearly exhaustive. The scandal itself was an incredibly intricate affair peopled with very complicated personalities. Yet the author is able to make the tale compelling, even gripping at times. She is also able to break some new ground, and arrive at some new and convincing conclusions about the sordid affair.

Central to the story itself is the contradictory character of Louis XIV himself. Charismatic and charming, the king could also be ruthless and vindictive. His mistress Madame de Montespan was perhaps the most famous person to be rumored to involved in the poisoning scandal. Yet the investigations into her involvement were so secretive that the lady herself likely never knew how close she was to arrest, public disgrace, perhaps even execution.

The king charged a special commission with rooting out the poisoners and occult practitioners plying their sinister trade in Paris. Yet the king's own actions often compromised its effectiveness. The commissioners themselves were not above factionalism, and used their powers to punish their enemies. The commissioners were also almost laughably gullible, easily manipulated by charlatans and self-styled witches and warlocks.