Anne Golon ​

Anne Golon (born Simone Changeux) was a French author, aliases include Joëlle Danterne, best known for her series of novels The Angelique series. The book series was popularized in the 17th century, featuring the heroine of the historical adventure series, Angelique.

Quick Facts ​

• Known for their series of novels featuring the character "Angelique".
• Translated into multiple languages around the world.
• Sales of the book series have exceeded 150 million copies.
• Books have been adapted into numerous films and a television series.
• Despite controversies, they remain iconic in the historical romantic novel genre.

Background ​

Golon was born in 1921 in Toulon, a small town in the south of France. Her father was a naval officer and as a result, the family moved around frequently during her childhood. She started writing at an early age and by 1947, using the pen name Aimée Marik, she published her first novel. In the early 1950s, she and her husband, Serge Golon, travelled to Africa where they drew on their experiences to create the character of Angélique, the heroine of her most famous novels. The Angélique series, written and published by Golon, became a worldwide success, translated into many languages, and several of the books were adapted into films. She continued to write until her death in 2017.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Golon's writing was characterized by detailed historical research and a focus on strong female protagonists, which was somewhat unusual for her time. Her work dealt with issues of gender and power, and her characters often struggled against societal expectations and constraints. Her style combined elements of romanticism, drama, and adventure, and her work has been praised for its vivid descriptions and compelling narratives. Her novels helped to pave the way for later generations of female historical novelists.

Notable Works ​

• Angelique series (1957-1985)
• Angelique and the King (1959)
• Angelique and the Sultan (1960)
• Angelique in Revolt (1960)
• The Countess Angelique (1961)
• Angelique in Love (1961)
• Angelique in Barbary (1962)