If Charles Théveneau de Morande was a character in a novel, he would be considered the ultimate anti-hero. Morande's historical significance far transcends his success as a blackmailer and scandalous pamphleteer. Having extorted the French monarchy he turned coat and during the War of American Independence and throughout the 1780s was France's leading political spy in London. In addition, he was a highly successful police agent among his fellow exiles and one of the most influential journalists of his time. His enemies or victims - who invariably suffered intense damage to their reputations - included many of the most colourful figures of his day. Nevertheless, Morande survived the wrath of both Louis XV and the revolution, outlived his enemies, and died peacefully in his bed.
Morande's life story is a tale of intrigue, blackmail, espionage, duels, kidnap, murder, politics, conspiracy and crime. At the same time, it offers a chance to examine some of the most important issues of French history and revolution.
eBook - PDF
A King's Ransom
The Life of Charles Théveneau de Morande, Blackmailer, Scandalmonger & Master-Spy
- 305 pages
- English
- PDF
- Available on iOS & Android
eBook - PDF
A King's Ransom
The Life of Charles Théveneau de Morande, Blackmailer, Scandalmonger & Master-Spy
Table of contents
- Contents
- Illustrations
- Prefatory note
- Prologue: Auto da fé
- 1 The Sins of his Youth
- 2 The Armour-Plated Gazetteer
- 3 A King’s Ransom
- 4 Figaro’s Nemesis
- 5 On His Majesty’s Secret Service
- 6 Poacher Turned Gamekeeper: Morande, Police Spy
- 7 The Magician, the Necklace and the Poisonous Pig
- 8 The First Revolutionary Journalist
- 9 Afterlife: Morande in Fiction, Myth and History
- Glossary
- Abbreviations
- Notes
- Sources
- Acknowledgements
- Index
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Yes, you can access A King's Ransom by Simon Burrows in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in History & French History. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.