The Poisoned Crown

by Maurice Druon Book 3 in the The Accursed Kings series.

First published 1956

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Louis X marries Clementia of Hungary in the hope of producing an undisputed heir, but his authority is weakened by famine, noble resistance and an unsuccessful expedition against Flanders. Court decisions remain shaped by Charles of Valois, Philip of Poitiers and the continuing feud between Mahaut and Robert of Artois.

Clementia becomes pregnant as the king's health fails. Druon turns Louis's sudden death into the result of Mahaut's poisoning, a fictional resolution to a death whose historical cause is uncertain, and leaves France awaiting the birth of a possible king.

Historical Periods

Artois Succession Dispute1302–1332 CE Great Famine of 1315–13171315–1317 CE Reign of Louis X of France1314–1316 CE

Genres

Court & Political Fiction Historical Sagas War Fiction

Historical people

Louis X of France1289–1316 Mahaut, Countess of Artois1269–1329 Robert III of Artois1287–1342 Philip V of France1293–1322 Charles of Valois1270–1325 Clementia of Hungary1293–1328 Robert I, Count of Artois1216–1250