Fortunes of France 2: City of Wisdom and Blood - Softcover

PRAISE FOR FORTUNES OF FRANCE

'Modern-day Dumas finally crosses the channgel' -- Observer

'Swashbuckling historical fiction... For all its philosophical depth [The Brethren] is a hugely entertaining romp... The comparisons with Dumas seem both natural and deserved and the next 12 instalments [are] a thrilling prospect' -- Guardian

'A sprawling, earthy tale of peril, love, lust, death, dazzling philosophical debate and political intrigue... an engrossing saga' -- Gransnet

'Historical fiction at its very best... This fast paced and heady brew is colourfully leavened with love and sex and a great deal of humour and wit. The second instalment cannot be published too soon' -- We Love This Book

'A vivid novel by France's modern Dumas... [there is plenty of evidence in the rich characterisation and vivid historical detail that a reader's long-term commitment will be amply rewarded' -- Sunday Times

'A master of the historical novel' --Guardian

'We're swept away by triumph, tragedy, action and adventure... It's a novel like this that makes reviewing one of the best jobs in the world' -- The Book Bag

'So rich in historical detail... the characters are engaging' -- Sunday Express

'This is old-fashioned story-telling. It has swagger and vibrancy with big characters... A gripping story with humour and strength and real attention to historical detail' -- Mature Times

'Cleverly depicts France's epic religious wars through the intimate prism of one family's experience. It's beautifully written too' -- Metro

'A lively adventure... anyone keen on historical fiction [should] look forward to the next instalment' --Telegraph

'The spectacular 13-volume evocation of 16th-17th century France' -- Independent

'An enjoyable read, distinguished by its author's erudition and wit' -- Sunday Times

'Vibrant and exciting' -- South China Morning Post

'Provides breathtakingly, gloriously, with high drama and titillating intrigue the background of all that will come after... This is Dumas inspired by Rabelais and retold by Zola, with zest, bawdiness, raw emotion, irreverence and several intertwining agendas' --Bookanista

Robert Merle (1908-2004) was born in French Algeria, before moving to mainland France in 1918. Originally an English teacher, Merle served as an interpreter with British Expeditionary Force during the Second World War, and was captured by the German army at Dunkirk, the experience of which served as the basis for his Goncourt-prize-winning Weekend at Zuydcoote. He published the 13 volumes of his hugely popular Fortunes of France series over four decades, from 1977 to 2003, the final volume appearing just a year before his death in 2004.