The author of the series of historical novels “Cursed Kings” - French writer, publicist and public figure Maurice Druon (b. 1918) never allowed himself to take liberties with facts. His novels are distinguished by an intriguing and exciting plot, and at the same time they are as close as possible to historical truth. According to legend, the origins of all the troubles that befell France are hidden in the curse to which the Grand Master of the Templar Order subjected King Philip IV the Fair, who condemned him to death. Covering the period from the first decade of the 14th century until the outbreak of the Hundred Years' War between France and England, Druon describes how a terrible curse came true during these years.