Ninety-seven is my lucky number.

I realize that I had always in my heart of hearts planned to write a biography of Marie Antoinette.

The clue to book jacket photography is to look friendly and approachable, but not too glamorous.

I'm very interested in good and evil and the moral natures of people.

It can be a long gap between the emergence of fully researched historical biographies.

As the Dauphine stepped out of her carriage on to the ceremonial carpet that had been laid down, it was the Duc de Choiseul who was given the privilege of the first salute. Presented with the Duc by Prince Starhemberg, Marie Antoinette exclaimed: 'I shall never forget that you are responsible for my happiness!

King Charles II liked women's company and well as making love to them.