THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK

The Man in the Iron Mask (L'Homme au Masque de Fer) is the name given to the prisoner Eustache Dauger in 1669 who was held in a number of jails, including Bastille and Pinerolo. He was placed in Benigne Dauvergne de Saint Mars's custody for 34 years. He died on November 19, 1703 using the name of Marchioly, during Louis XIV of France's reign. The character's identity has been the topic of many books, since on one ever saw his face because it was hidden by a mask of black velvet cloth. A must read for the lover of classic French literature.