1st edition. "The mistress, Diane de Poitiers, and the queen, Catherine de Medici, fought a fierce but stealthy battle for the heart of the king, Henri II of France. This fascinating tale is retold, in unprecedented detail, by a princess who is directly descended from both women. I was shocked and informed by this gripping bookW. (Paul Johnson). Pp.xviii/412, 16 pages of colour illustrations + many black & white illustrations, map + family trees of principle characters, signed "Marie Christine" to title page. Grey boards, dustwrapper. VG/VG.