DON JOHN OF AUSTRIA

The story of a royal bastard -- illegitimate son of Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire, acknowledged at time of his death, and consigned to care of his son, Philip II of Spain. His life was an adventurous and colorful one, and the story tells of his career in military life, waging wars against the Moors in Spain, the Turks, the Pirates of the Mediterranean. Eventually, to quell his desire to become ruler of his own kingdom, he was sent as Governor General of the Netherlands, where he died. Military tactics and details make this a book of greater interest to men than women. Not scandal mongering, nor a picture of court intrigue.