Catherine De Medici: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Catherine De Medici: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Catherine De Medici is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Balzac, Honoré de (1799–1850). The listed translation credits are Wormeley, Katharine Prescott (1830–1908).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Catherine De Medici" by Honoré de Balzac is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The work explores the complex life of Catherine de' Medici, focusing on her role as a powerful queen during tumultuous times in France. It investigates the dynamics of her relationships, her intricate political maneuvers, and the misunderstandings that have clouded her legacy throughout history. The opening of the book sets the tone for a deep exploration of Catherine's life by discussing the distorted perceptions of historical figures, particularly her own, and the influences of various political and religious factions on her character. Balzac begins by addressing the historical inaccuracies prevalent in accounts of both ancient and modern history, suggesting that figures like Catherine have been misrepresented, particularly in Protestant narratives. Through a detailed examination of her upbringing, the challenges she faced as a female ruler, and her political strategies to maintain power, the narrative indicates that Catherine was a formidable stateswoman whose contributions to French history have often been overshadowed by scandal and misrepresentation. This opening serves to frame Catherine not only as a historical figure but as a symbol of monarchal resilience amidst the shifting tides of ideology and power.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Catherine De Medici
- Author credits: Balzac, Honoré de (1799–1850)
- Catalogue language: English
- Translator credits: Wormeley, Katharine Prescott (1830–1908)
Catalogue subjects
- Catherine de Médicis, Queen, consort of Henry II, King of France, 1519-1589 -- Fiction
- French fiction -- Translations into English
Gutenberg collections
- Category: History - European
- Category: History - Religious
- Category: History - Royalty
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.



