A Treasury of Royal Scandals: The Shocking True Stories of History's Wickedest, Weirdest, Most Wanton Kings, Queens, Tsars, Popes, and Emperors by Michael Farquhar.
This is the most debauched, shocking, naughty and utterly delightful book. When one thinks of royalty they imagine beautiful princesses, dashing and brilliant kings; a gay and happy life. Pffft! In truth most royals were ugly and deformed from the endless inbreeding. When by the grace of God a beauty came into their midst, the rest of the family conspired to destroy the young Adonis or Venus simply because of sheer jealousy.
It ranges from good old fashioned religious orgies to; "Richard the Lionheart was possibly a poof?" Take the for instance the introductory sentence:
Catherine the Great loved horses. She also loved sex. Contrary to popular legend, however, she never managed to unite the two passions.
After reading this to my therapist she leaned forward in her chair, her eyes wide with anticipation and demanded, "Well, go on!" She’s since commandeered this book.
I'm serious; this book is like Harry Potter for adults. I'd completely forgotten about literature, "Yes, words on paper, I remember this", and I've yet to touch my Gameboy since.
I cannot deny that at times this book is peppered with historical inaccuracies or occasionally embellished, but then again; who really cares?
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
pithy and juicy Brooke - thanks and welcome!
2 - Michael Farquhar
Dear Brooke,
Thank you for your generous review of my book. I'm glad you (and your therapist) enjoyed it. However, I must ask you to elaborate on your assertion that "at times this book is peppered with historical inaccuracies or occasionally embellished." What are the inaccuracies? And where are the embellishments? Having scrupulously researched the book, I am very anxious to hear of specific errors or exaggerations. You ask "who cares?" I do. In my mind, the book only works because the stories are all true. If they weren't, this would be a so-so collection of fictionalized history. And what fun is that? Thanks for your attention.
Michael Farquhar