The Iron King

The novel is the first in a series known for its meticulous historical accuracy, drawing directly from the lives and reigns of the last Capetian kings of France and the early Valois dynasty. It vividly portrays the political intrigues and personal dramas of the French court in the early 14th century, featuring real historical figures.

The book was adapted into a highly acclaimed French television miniseries in 1972, which was later remade in 2005. Both adaptations are considered faithful to the source material and brought the historical narrative to a wider audience.

This book is the opening volume of "The Accursed Kings" series, which chronicles the dramatic downfall of the Capetian dynasty and the subsequent Hundred Years' War. While each book focuses on a distinct period, they collectively form a continuous historical saga.