The two dianas

'The Two Dianas' is historical fiction at its most romantic and swashbuckling. Set in 16th century France, 'The Two Dianas' offers a fictionalised account of the death of the French king, Henry II, at the hands of Gabriel, Comte de Montgomery. The Dianas in question are the king's mistress, Diana de Poitiers, and her daughter, Diana de Castro. As the story unfolds, we are taken through Protestant uprisings, political deceptions, sword-rattling battles, and desperate romance.A fine tale packed with swagger and poise that defines much of Dumas' work, 'The Two Dianas' will surely delight anyone familiar with his other novels, such as 'The Three Musketeers'. Alexandre Dumas (1802 - 1870) was one of the most popular French authors and playwrights of the 19th Century. After the death of his father, Dumas travelled to Paris where he eventually decided to work in the theatre. He first came to public attention at the age of 27 with his first play, 'King Henry III and his Courts.'After a succession of successful stage plays, Dumas turned his hand to writing novels. Many of these were serialised in newspapers, such as 'La Comtesse de Salisbury; Édouard III,' and 'Le Capitaine Paul.' Many of Dumas' later works have been hailed as timeless classics and adapted for television and the silver screen, such as 'The Three Musketeers', starring 'Lord of the Rings'' Orlando Bloom, and 'The Count of Monte Cristo', starring 'Superman' star, Henry Cavill.