About the book: 2007 / The book of the French writer Abbé de Brantôme (Pierre de Bourdey, 1540–1614) brought him world fame. This is a fascinating story, nicknamed the “New Decameron,” about the morals and intimate aspects of life in the aristocratic circles of contemporary society. Masterfully, very frankly and at the same time with a touch of humor, he depicts the stories of love affairs and the adventures of ladies' men and court ladies, the experiences of deceived husbands and abandoned wives. The book tells not only about carefree “gallant ladies”, but also about solid natures capable of strong feelings. The poor nobleman Brantome (Pierre de Bourdeil), like his ancestors, was in the service of the French kings from his youth, traveled a lot, enjoyed success with the ladies whom he loved unselfishly and sincerely. Perhaps this was his greatest talent and gift. And the ladies loved him back. He did not achieve wealth, lands or positions, but he left behind a book called "Gallant Ladies." Perhaps the main character of this book is Marguerite Valois, the same Queen Margot, whose life Alexandre Dumas later spoke about precisely from the words of Brantôme. A man of the Renaissance, Brantome, understanding perhaps too literally the call to enjoy every moment of existence, for a long time led the life of a social rake, courting the ladies-in-waiting of Queen Catherine de Medici, jokingly composing poems “for the occasion.” He carefreely changed patrons, sometimes abandoning everything and embarking on long journeys. Brant became a writer rather not by vocation, but by chance: while in disgrace in his family castle, he fell from his horse during a horseback ride and found himself bedridden for many months. He begins to dictate to his secretary and housekeeper something like memoirs, as if reliving the excitement of his youth. Anecdotes and short stories fascinate with unexpected plot twists, gallant humor and cheerful carelessness with which the author talks about the passions of his age, about the emotions of the heart and the pleasures of the flesh..