The Legend of the Grimaldis

The name of Monte Carlo does not suggest antiquity; visitors to that great wen of international luxury are not likely to be reminded of the blind Prince Charles to whom the Casino owes its being; still less will they be led to reflect upon the earlier Charles, the first of his name, who, we are told, once captured Southampton. In fact, quite a number of visitors to Monte Carlo never become aware that they have crossed the frontiers of France and entered the ancient and sovereign principality of Monaco. Not that there is any lack of published information. The history of Monaco is so varied, curious, extensive and exciting that it has begotten a considerable literature. But the greater part of it is inaccurate and unfair; and among the most inexact and prejudiced authors are those who have written in English. This fact may perhaps justify a modest attempt to disentangle one of the myths which have been circulated by our countrymen, myths which, despite the work of the critics of the past three hundred years, are perpetuated in modern reference books.