The Man in the Iron Mask

The True Story of Europe's Most Famous Prisoner

By: Josephine Wilkinson

Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

A vivid, dramatic, and eye-opening historical narrative, The Man in the Iron Mask reveals the story behind the most enduring mystery of Louis XIV’s reign.

The Man in the Iron Mask has all the hallmarks of a thrilling adventure story: a glamorous and all-powerful king, ambitious ministers, a cruel and despotic jailor, dark and sinister dungeons - and a secret prisoner. It is easy for forget that this story, made famous by Alexandre Dumas, is that of a real person, Eustache Danger, who spent more than 30 years in the prison system of Louis XIV’s France - never to be freed.

This narrative brings to life the true story of this mysterious man and follows his journey through four prisons and across decades of time. It introduces the listener to those with whom he shared his imprisonment, those who had charge of him, and those who decided his tragic fate.

The Man in the Iron Mask reveals one of the most enduring mysteries of Louis XIV’s reign; but it is, above all, a human story. Using contemporary documents, this book shows what life was really like for state prisoners in 17th-century France - and offers tantalizing insight into why this mysterious man was arrested and why, several years later, his story would become one of France’s most intriguing legends that still sparks debate and controversy today.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2021 Josephine Wilkinson (P)2021 Oasis Audio

A exciting story, but

I didn’t like this because I was spoiled with the movie. I think the author’s style was old fashioned, and moved too slow. But it could be because I’m not familiar with reading the book. The lady read well.