The Man in the Iron Mask: The True Story of Europe's Most Famous Prisoner

by Josephine Wilkinson

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 thirty 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 reader 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 seventeenth-century France—and offers tantalising 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.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Historical, France

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 6, 2021

About the author

Dr Josephine Wilkinson received a First Class Honours degree from the University of Newcastle. She was the winner of the Third Year Prize for her work on The Little Apocalypse, which placed Mark chapter 13 into its historical context, and the Jewish Studies Prize for her historical study of the community at Qumran. She remained at Newcastle, earning an MPhil for her thesis on the historical John the Baptist (as close to a biography as is possible to do); her PhD traced historical traditions and legends of John the Baptist across several cultures as well as art, literature and film.

She was a scholar-in-residence at Gladstone's Library in Hawarden (formerly St Deiniol's Library), Britain's only residential library. This was founded in 1898 by the great Victorian statesman, William Gladstone. Great Britain's only Prime Ministerial library, it is based on Gladstone's personal collection. Dr Wilkinson has also held an honorary post at the University of Glasgow.

The recipient of a British Academy award, she is the author of a two volume biography of Richard III, the first volume of which, Richard III, the Young King To Be, has been published by Amberley. She is currently writing volume two. Other books are Mary Boleyn: The True Story of Henry VIII's Favourite Mistress, The Early Loves of Anne Boleyn and The Princes in the Tower. She lives in the attic of a mediaeval house within the city walls of York.

Follow her blog: http://josepha-josephine-wilkinson.bl...

Reviews

[Leo · Rating 3 out of 5]

An very interesting subject for sure. I've seen a movie about It many years ago and didn't know it was based on a real person. But the audiobook didn't quite work for me but would like to reread it in a book format in the future

[Anne Kamsteeg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Je kan ook te veel context geven, zo blijkt hier

[TJL · Rating 2 out of 5]

15% Eustache Dauger, 85% Literally Every Other Topic That Could Have Been Raised.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

If one has been reading the so-called 'classics' over the years, they have either read The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas or are at least, familiar with it as the last episode of the D'Artagnan series.

This tale was not all fiction but based on an unidentified man held in various prisons for decades, keeping his identity strictly concealed. Wilkinson attempts to go through the various prisoners - Wilkinson refers to eight others under Saint-Mars care - that had been imprisoned by order of King Louis XIV and kept in similar (or worse) conditions. These men were not allowed to speak to anyone but the governor, Sainte-Mars, if they had any requests. Requests for writing material, for a priest for confession (allowed once a year), occasionally mass, to see relatives (unlikely in the first decade). Used linens were carefully examined for possible hidden writing as was any eating materials. Being let out of their cells for any reason - like a walk in the fresh air - was not allowed as well.

In some way, each man betrayed the king and thus they were being punished. But most of the researchers from the time of the "ancient prisoner" examined who had 'disappeared' to current times have decided that the man was Eustache d'Auger (or Dauger) who was a valet who had seen or heard something that could embarrass the state. Whenever Saint-Mars was transferred to take control of another prison, his special prisoner went with him, carefully concealed behind curtained windows on the transport. It was also due to this that Saint-Mars made up what he called fairy stories to counter the curiosity of any townsfolk that lived near the prisons.

It was Voltaire that attributed the theory of the Iron Mask being the older brother of Louis XIV. Other historians and writers place him as a younger brother or even a twin. An illegitimate son of the Queen of Austria and her lover (perhaps the Duke of Buckingham). Perhaps, even Matthioli, who was a diplomat who betrayed the king of France and Charles V, the duke of Mantua to the Spanish. In fact, the last one to 'know' who the real man in the iron mask (which was more than likely a heavy fabric) was Louis XV, Louis XIV's son and he refused to ever speak on the topic.

As for the book itself, admittedly, it's a bit dry. Not intended as an insult to the French but the similar names did manage to confuse me about whom she was discussing. But it was enlightening to read about the brutal conditions prisoners were held under at this time as well see the basis of a legend.

2025-011

[Suzanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Incredibly disappointing. About three-quarters of the book are about everyone and everything except the Man in the Iron Mask: his jailer, fellow prisoners, overviews of the prisons themselves, King Louis XIV. Only in the last two chapters does the author delve into theories of who the Man in the Iron Mask could have been. I have no idea why the author didn't lead with this information and flesh it out, unless she had nothing more to say about him. In which case, maybe don't write a book called "The Man in the Iron Mask." I only finished the book because I'm too stubborn to quit, and by those two chapters, I had lost interest in the man anyway.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book until the last line, that the man in the iron mask was of no importance. No importance because he was probably a valet and not a nobleman. The man spent over 30 years imprisoned for an unknown reason. His name was Eustache Danger and might have heard something at a party. No one knows. But details known about his 30 years are what makes this book compelling.

[Jammin Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the author did a good job covering the true story behind the Man in the Iron Mask, fictionalized by Alexandre Dumas. It can get very confusing with the royalty and their concubines. If you like historical events and are interested in Louis XIV, you will like this book. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Edelweiss for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.

[Gaia · Rating 1 out of 5]

L'autrice perde spesso il filo del discorso e divaga molto.
Bibliografia ridotta, conclusione fantasiosa e poco storica.

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man hidden from the world languishes for decades in a prison cell. He is not allowed to speak to anyone, or he will face severe consequences. Often in literature, his head is covered in a mask made of iron. His identity and why he angered King Louis XIV so much have remained a mystery for centuries. The prisoner was known as the man in the iron mask throughout history, but who was this enigmatic figure? In her latest book, “The Man in the Iron Mask: The True Story of Europe’s Most Famous Prisoner,” Josephine Wilkinson dives deep into the archives to construct his story and the stories of the men behind the mystery.

I want to thank Pegasus Books for sending me a copy of this book. I usually do not read books about 17th century France; however, I had heard high praise about this particular title. I wanted to learn more about different great mysteries in history, so I decided to try this narrative.

Wilkinson’s narrative follows Eustache Danger, who many believe to be the infamous prisoner. He spent nearly 30 years in the prison system of France during the reign of King Louis XIV and was constantly under the watchful eye of his jailer, Benigne Dauvergne de Saint-Mars. Saint-Mars followed the direct orders of the minister of war, Francois Michel Le Tellier, marquis de Louvois. Eustache was not the only prisoner who was kept under Saint-Mars’ surveillance. Wilkinson also tracks the movements of prominent prisoners like Nicholas Foucquet and Antonin Nompar de Caumont, Comte de Lauzun to show how drastically different Eustache’s punishment is compared to the higher echelons of society.

Eustache’s story is broken down by who he was associated with and the actual prisons he would call home for 30 years. The story of the man in the iron mask is often associated with Bastille, but that was his final destination. Starting in Pignerol, Eustache would follow Saint-Mars to the Chateau d’Exilles and the Ile Sainte-Marguerite, until finally ending up at the Bastille; each prison had its unique accommodations and transportation issues for the silent prisoner. No one was aware of what crime he committed and why silence was his punishment. Yet, people have speculated throughout the centuries, from Voltaire to Alexander Dumas, with Wilkinson providing her theory about who he was and the crime he might have committed to enduring the wrath of the king for so long. These theories would take an obscurely silent prisoner to a man whose face was hidden from the world in a mask made of iron.

There is a reason that the story of Eustace Danger’s imprisonment has captured the imagination of historians for generations, and that is because it is so mysterious. Wilkinson’s narrative and her meticulous research into the archives have brought his story back into the spotlight. The descriptions of prison life are so vivid, with details of Eustache’s life interwoven beautifully. He may not have had a chance to speak while he was alive, but Wilkinson has given the prisoner a voice that will capture anyone’s attention. If you want a thrilling read full of intrigue, drama, and myths galore, you should check out “The Man in the Iron Mask: The True Story of Europe’s Most Famous Prisoner” by Josephine Wilkinson.

[Vince · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book title is a misnomer. You must wait until page 178 to read about the mysterious prisoner with a mask. All previous chapters by the author are about the prison and its other prisoners. Much research done then. On page 212 the author finally begins the introduction of the masked prisoner by legend after his death. Yes, only the last chapter does identify the masked prisoner. The title inveigles the reader.

[James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring beyond belief

[Susan Kendrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disappointed; I thought it would be more interesting.

[donovan · Rating 3 out of 5]

hey, book?? you can’t just mention an underground gay sex orgy party held on easter and then move on in the very next sentence !! i want the details !!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since his last imprisonment and death, the unknown prisoner mentioned as Eustache Dauger, has become immortalized into the legend of the Man in the Iron Mask. Briefly mentioned by Louis XIV's staff as a prisoner who should not have contact with anyone, letalone speak beyond his needs, this mysterious figure is one of great intrigue during the reign of Louis XIV.

Many have tried to identify the mysterious prisoner through the centuries. Some believe he was a twin to the king, a child of a royal adulterous affair, the king's real father, a diplomat, a soldier, etc. Josephine Wilkinson traces a chronological timeline of when Eustache was first imprisoned and the other famous prisoners he got acquainted with each new location he was moved to. Due to limited sources pertaining to the man, we are glimpsed into the prison life through the other individuals and how Eustache may have been involved with them.

By the final chapter, the author relates all the possibilities others have made to the identity of the man and debunk some of the myths associated with him. Though she doesn't give a definitive answer, she leans towards that he was a man of lower rank who became a valet, possibly imprisoned for a screw up, and had the legend originate out of boredom of his jailer to swoon curiosity. Whatever the case, the sources and documents she uses in this book does seem to link that Eustache was not a nobleman as many literary works paint him to be. It's an interesting read behind a mystery that will likely never be solved, but what a story it is on how a real person became a legend if 17th century France.

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned about Louis XIV, Fouquet and many a minister more than I learned about the man behind the mask. Maybe because their lives are a matter of historical record and are documented.

The unfortunate prisoner was forbidden to speak and left no record of his thoughts and feelings. Everything we know about him was uttered or commented on by his jailers (and their assistants) then elaborated on by others.

The authors catalogued many different theories — some times with contradicting details - was the man masked all the time/ sometimes/ not at all; was the mask made of iron or velvet; was he respected that the Prison commander could not sit in his presence or was he a lowly valet. I felt more confused by the different theories without one gaining obvious preference.

On the good side the book contained a complete account of the different prisons, their locations, and the nature of their general atmosphere. So that when you read Dumas’s account later you feel cheated!

[Stephen Ede-Borrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Wilkinson has an excellent style and at times when it would be so easy for a lesser author to disappear into "send you to sleep" detail she still keeps it fascinating but gives to the information anyway.

The text covers, and discusses in depth, the various contenders for 'The Prisoner' (not Patrick McGoohan!), the arguments for and against and drawing on a great deal of contemporary and near-contemporary sources even the existence or material of the mask itself.

There is an superb summing up of the 'legend' in later years and discussion of other writers' ideas and how the story itself has come down to us. I am not going to give any spoilers on Wilkinson conclusions except to say that it appears that it wasn't Louis XIV's identical twin brother (so much for my belief in Alexandre Dumas!).

Thoroughly entertaining and a damned good read as well as a three-hundred year old 'detective story;

[Ken Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who was The Man in the Iron Mask? This book supplies a name, Eustace Dauger (possibly Danger) and an account of his imprisonment but, unfortunately, cannot nail down the why despite the many theories advanced?
And the name stands alone - he might as well have been called John Doe as nothing is known about him.
It's a scholarly book with lots of footnotes and makes for an occasionally tough read.
As for the Iron Mask - it seems to be myth created by Voltaire and immortalised by Alexandre Dumas as the only time Dauger was masked was while being moved from prison to prison.
Because of the limited original material the author has broadened the scope to include details of the penal system at the time, other somewhat similar prisoners and the political shenanigans which may, or may not, have had anything to do with Dauger.
3 Stars

[Katja · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is again i difficult book to rate. I found this by accident; I was actually checking whether my local library has Iron Man II on DVD and this book popped up. Since I grew up watching Leonardo DiCaprio movies, I just had to read this one. I should have done my research though as it would have helped me figure out faster that there are other (read: better) books out there on the same subject. The story is definitely there but this book was executed in a way that resembled pulling teeth. There was much detail and several interesting characters that the reader kept mixing up due to similar names. It would have helped to have the history section in the beginning rather than in the end. There was unnecessary repetition. The fact that I averaged 20 pages/day says a lot.

[Elizabeth Redmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery disguised as a piece of historical academia, I was amazed at the twists and turns of Wilkinson's research and storytelling. While the details can become confused and criss-crossed in Wilkinson's heafty prose, there was never a dull moment in the narrative proper. I walked away feeling I learned more about the conditions of early modern law and court escapades than I knew before. All this, on top of being a critical examination of Quatorzian prisons, Eustache Dauger (Danger) will continue to be a figure of immense mystery and fascination.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title a little misleading, but I think that’s more a publisher’s gambit than anything else. I enjoyed the parts of the book that were not strictly about Eustache and felt they were necessary to understand the context surrounding him.

Maybe it’s the CJ major in me, but I would have liked to know more about the legal system and the state of the French prison system as a whole. I think that would have helped better illustrate the weirdness of Eustache’s situation and given some context as to how often people vanished into the prisons like he did.

[KAdelaide · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a "Did not Finish" book unfortunately.
I found the book hard to get into. I wanted a book on the Man In The Iron Mask, but this book isn't it. It talks alot about other people and situations and less on the man himself. I have read this in other comments too- and that the last couple of chapters were the best. So I skipped to those, which were more focussed.

[Jean Mehochko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another interesting book providing detail about a person and time I had heard of, but knew little about. It was challenging to read because of the multitude of name (people and places) to keep track of, but interesting enough to keep me reading.

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this because of book group. I remember the movie version of the Alexander Dumas book. Knowing very little about the time period and the prison system in France, I did learn a good deal but I truly found this is tiresome book to get through.
Not recommended!

[Katherine Kappelmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was only familiar with the fictional stories about The Man in the Iron Mask and wasn't even aware of the historical roots of those stories. This book is more accurately a discussion of the jailer and prisons the mysterious man was kept in, but it was still an enjoyable and informative read.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting enough if one is intrigued by the period in general, but there's really very little about the book's supposed subject. Most of the events and persons written about extensively here are at best tangentially related to the mysterious "Man in the Iron Mask".

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well researched and presented.

[Megan B · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book is a history of the famous "Man in the Iron Mask," it is primarily a biography of his jailer. Very well researched, but not written in a very engaging style.

[Jessica Lerbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting in a scholarly way, although there was a bit too much repetition.

[William Dury · Rating 3 out of 5]

At last! The mystery solved. Maybe.

Ms. Wilkinson posits that TMITIM was a valet that overheard and repeated something he shouldn’t have. He is referred to as a valet in some of the early prison correspondence regarding him, and he actually acts as a valet for one of his aristocratic fellow prisoners at one point, something he certainly would not have done had he been any kind of aristocrat himself. Also it is of note that no one ever made any effort to have him freed, or even visit him, as was the case with his more powerful fellow prisoners. He was also described as accepting of his fate, indicative of a forgotten nobody, not anyone with standing enough to fight back. His jailer was a bit of a drama queen, and helped fuel the legend. He seems to have had a velvet face covering when moved between prisons, but the iron mask appears to be simply part of the legend begun by Voltaire, of all people.

Gosh, next they’ll be saying aliens didn’t land at Roswell. Is there nothing to believe in anymore?