Inhalt: | A colorful look at the monarchs and schemers who fell under the spell of a notorious 55-carat diamond. The Sancy Diamond first came to Europe from India in the fourteenth century, and until 1661, it was the largest diamond - and most secure and concentrated form of wealth - in all of Christendom. In this engaging history, Susan Ronald follows the progress of the gem as it passes among the royal and noble houses of Europe, from Burgundy's John the Fearless, England's James I, and France's Louis XIV to a Russian prince and ultimately to the British Astors. Along the way, she brings to life a succession of royal feuds, intrigues, and betrayals - and shows how the Sancy was used to raise money, settle debts, and enhance power and prestige. She also reveals what really happened to the Sancy during its two disappearances - once during the sixteenth century and again after the French Revolution - and explores the legend of the Sancy curse, which arose after the violent deaths of Burgundy's Charles the Bold, England's Charles I, France's Louis XVI, and other ill-fated owners.--Publisher description |
