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'Portrait of an ageless Author'
This remarkable image of Anne Golon © of the magazine L'illustré 2002 reminds me of the 'Arnolfini Marriage' by Jan van Eyck which is loaded with symbolism - here is my interpretation of 'A Portrait of an Author as an ageless woman' with apologies to James Joyce
In this composition of the artist as an ageless author I see (1) a painting in the style of the late Serge Golon very reminiscent of 'Old Larches at Crans-Montana, Switzerland'. (2) Reference Book (always close to hand for accuracy (3) Reading glasses - Anne is notoriously determined never to be photographed wearing spectacles - discreetly hidden (4) Anne favours pen and ink for her original work and signing autographs (5) Book of illustrated costume references (6) Hand written notes covering the years 1645 to 1648/9 (7) Reference book detailing costume minutiae (8) A reference book of pistols (9) photo albums, folders (tantalising holding wonderful secrets and insights into Angélique's story) (10) Favourite artworks to add to the ambience of the woman and her surroundings (11) possibly old proof copies of her works (12) possibly a pictorial map for reference (13) shelves full of reference folders (14) a favoured lamp often seen in alternative photographs and finally (15) 'Indomptable Anne Golon' echoing her 'Indomptable Angélique' (cannot really be translated as 'Anne Golon and the Sultan' following the English translation of the book title, but indeed 'Indomitable Anne Golon') - L'illustré writes 'One can imagine that she is sitting on a pile of gold in her house in Montana where she established (located) her family in 1959. Wrong, she scrapes along in a decrepit appartement situated in the middle of Lausanne. And every day, she writes.'
Hardback Publication dates
Book 1 – 1957 Angelique
Book 2 – 1959 King
Book 3 – 1960 Sultan
Book 4 – 1961 Revolt
Book 5 – 1961 Love
Book 6 – 1964 Countess
Book 7 – 1966 Temptation
Book 8 – 1972 Demon
Book 9 – 1976 Ghosts
Book 10 – 1980 Quebec
Book 11 – 1984 Espoir
Book 12 – 1985 Victoire
Anne Golon - The Biography
*Biographical details as written by Nadine Goloubinoff for the Polish re-prints of the Angélique series :
Simone Changeux
The daughter of a naval officer was born in Toulon in 1921, spending her formative years in Cherbourg, and her teens and adolescence in Versailles. It was apparent from an early age that she was interested in literature and history and became a gifted and talented wordsmith completing her first written submission at the age of seven and rejoicing in her first published article at sixteen.
During the second world war (WWII) she moved about France on a bicycle revelling in its beauty and longing for her homeland to be free from occupation. She used her dual talents of recording images and words to assist with keeping a record of the true patriotism she observed around her. In an act of defiance, whilst on the border with Spain she deliberately placed one foot directly onto Spanish soil in front of the German Border patrol. It was also whilst travelling at this time that she discovered the beauty of Poitou where she would later locate her eponymous heroine Angélique.
Her first book under the pseudonym of Joëlle Danterne and entitled “Au Pays de derrière Mes Yeux” (The country behind my Eyes) was published in 1943. Following on from this book she successfully published several best-selling 'thrillers' not shying away from the use of 'taboo' subject matter. She also wrote dialogue for films and was credited as a screenwriter.
In 1945, Simone Changeux, clandestinely assisted the allied invasion force by hiding, in the garden, secret details of the Normandy landings which had previously been stored in her sister's house. At the same time she set up a periodical entitled 'France 47' (later to become 'France Magazine') in which she published articles, series, stories and legends.
Thanks to being awarded the prestigious 'Prix de la Rigaudie' in 1947 for her work entitled 'La patrouille des Saints Innocents' (Patrol of the Holy Innocents) she embarked as a freelance, unknown, journalist to Africa. There she met geologist Vsevolod Sergueïvitch Goloubinoff a stateless Russian born in 1903 in Bukhara (Uzbekistan). It comes as no surprise that much of Joffrey de Peyrac was based on the adventures of this fascinating individual. They married in Pointe-Noir. As newlyweds they returned to France where Serge was unable to find work and the young couple started married life by living off the repeat fees of the books published by Simone under her pseudonym of Joëlle Danterne. In the meantime they co-wrote scientific articles and historical biographies for mainstream newspapers. In 1954 they co-wrote 'Les Géants du Lac' which was published under the sole name of Serge Golon and 'Le Coeur des bêtes sauvages' published jointly as Anne et Serge Golon.
In Versailles Anne started to write her first volume of Angélique whilst Serge researched the period and provided invaluable advice for Joffrey's vast geological and scientific knowledge. In 1956 Angélique was published in Germany to great acclaim and solely under the name of Anne Golon. Finally in 1957 the book was published in France giving joint publication recognition to Anne and Serge Golon despite the insistence of the publisher who deemed that books 'of this sort' would carry greater gravitas if believed to have been written by a man. A year later Angélique would appear in the United States and Great Britain with the author disguised as the ambiguous 'Sergeanne Golon'. On the strength of the success of the books, in 1964 the first Angélique film was commissioned. This film trivialised the storyline and in particular the role of the female gender, stereotyping Angélique as an empty-headed opportunist. Despite the negativity and mockery heaped on the films, by 1985 Angélique had appeared in 13 full-length novels and her popularity was not to be seen waning either internationally or domestically. When interviewed about the books, Serge is known to have stated to journalists - "Ask my wife, it is she who is the author of 'Angélique.'"
After several geological expeditions to Africa Serge began painting in 1961and continued experimenting with colour schemes until his death in 1972, breaking off in 1966 to to join Anne in researching life in Canada to give credibility to the historical background in 'Angélique et le Nouveau Monde' (Countess Angélique).
The opus that is Angélique has been designated the greatest best-selling success of 20th Century literature by a living French author and is the most read and sought after historical fiction globally. For over half a century the books appeared under various author pseudonyms and suffered cuts by unethical editors. Despite everything the first editions are still, today, being sought by readers and collectors.
The author herself experienced the suffering and loneliness of her heroine, but like Angélique she overcame her adversaries and won back her rights to the books. Thanks to the internet Anne Golon discovered that she had millions of fans and these grow by the day.
Simone Changeux, like Angélique, has entered a new phase of her life. She is determined to conclude the story of her heroes and heroines and correct any errors in earlier and edited versions - that way, the story of Anne and Angélique remains fresh and alive in the public consciousness.
"For Anna Ludlow a faithful friend to Angélique - thank you for your help and your affection - Anne Golon - 20th June 2011 - Versailles"
Book 2 - 'Corridors of Versailles - May 1660 - August 1660' the dedication reads 'For Anna Ludlow Our friend - Anne Golon, Versailles, 20th May 2011'
Anne Golon - The Interview 2013
From Le Monde Magazine - a very frank interview shortly before the release of the new movie :
It's nearly 60 years since author Anne Golon gave life (birth) to the Marquise of the Angels; an imaginary heroine who will forever be immortalised by Michèle Mercier's portrayal of her. As the new version of the film is about to hit the cinemas, Anne Golon wants to put right a few misconceptions about her eponymous heroine.
By 1964, when the first film adaptation by Bernard Borderie was released, Angélique was already established and an 'establishment' in herself having reached the 7th volume in the saga which had first started appearing in 1956. The empire (modestly) consisted of translations in 27 languages in 47 countries and sales topping 150,000,000 (150m). Shouldn't such a phenomenon guarantee an accurate and sympathetic portrayal in films? Surely Angélique already represents herself as she is written in the book? Apparently not, Anne Golon states that the script editor of the films saw Angélique as 'a whore who wants to (unprintable) all men.' Imagine the horror of hearing that interpretation of a heroine you had nurtured through seven books, despite that title coincidentally being 'The Temptation of Angélique' which at that time was seven books away from the content of the first film! Borderie persisted and insisted that the film should be erotic and sensual and the perfect actress to bring this to the screen would be Michèle Mercier. Despite her protests, neither director or script editor would move from their 'vision' of the central character although they promised the verification of historical facts would be undertaken by historian Alain Decaux to acknowledge Serge's input and research. The action would take place in 17th century France at the court of Louis XIV! As Anne put it - that was the moment she got up and left the meeting. "Je me suis levée et j'ai quitté la pièce."
At this point Anne tells us that she was first drawn to the period and in particular the concept of The Court of Miracles and wanted to weave her story around this fascinating lesson in survival. Anne was horrified when the script editor, Daniel Boulanger, said he would glance at the book but that he had already envisioned his own version of the Court of Miracles (Cour des Miracles).
In the novels, Angélique de Sancé de Monteloup, Comtesse de Peyrac, Marquise de Plessis-Bellière is a string independently minded woman who glitters at the court of Louis XVI having tasted the degradation that comes with falling from favour. Anne sees her as the heiress (in literary terms) to Scarlett O'Hara, a heroine who has to overcome adversity, accept challenges and still retain her integrity at all times. So much so that Anne mentions the horrors that were discovered at the conclusion of World War II, the extermination of the Jews and atrocities committed in general to all peoples, when accused of making her novels 'mushy' Anne retorts - do they really think I would write something like that after what I have seen and experienced?
SAGA À QUATRE MAINS
A four-handed Saga (The term writing for four hands or coécriture means the approach of two or more people in the development of an artistic, cinematic, literary, musical, etc.)
At the time of the first publication, Anne signed with Opera Mundi who demanded 50% of the rights of ownership. In 1982 Hachette bought out Opera Mundi and no new contract was negotiated and the copyright became muddied, by 1985 with the emergence of the hitherto final volume 'La Victoire d'Angelique' was met with indifference by the publishers.
In 2006 after many years in the wilderness, with the help of her daughter Nadia, Anne eventually wrested back outright control and ownership of her rights. After this repeat fees finally started trickling in from the films made by Borderie and a modest compensation paid by her publishers for making changes to her books without her consent - each step forward consisted of a court appearance!
Never one to hide her opinions, in particular about the original films, Anne reminds us that she was never invited to the opening nights of the 1960s films, but that she has been invited to participate in the new version by Ariel Zeitoun and is pleased with his casting of Angelique and Joffrey. She states happily that they resemble the characters in her books much more closely than before. Anne Golon will be attending the premier of the new film.
Anne and Serge Golon
Husband and Wife or Brother and Sister?
Many years ago I read somewhere about Serge and Anne being brother and sister - I've now found the website again or at least one that has used the same information - as the image is a little difficult to read I have reproduced the narrative below :
"The brother and sister team of Serge and Anne Golon have produced a tremendous saga of 17th-century France, tracing Angelique's career from childhood through a series of strange marriages and amorous adventures, perils and excitements, unequalled in the field of historical romance fiction. Translated into most European languages, a sensational runaway success in France, Angelique is one of the world's most fabulous bestsellers. The most ravishing, and surely the most ravished, heroine of all time."
So how far in advance did Anne and Serge Golon plan to continue their heroine's adventures in the New World? We are advised that originally Angélique, Marquise of the Angels was to have been a one-off volume. That being the case there should not have been any further books after 1957 when the book was originally published under the combined authorship of Anne et Serge Golon. That is, it was published everywhere but in the English-speaking continents where the book was made available in the English language under the authorship of 'Sergeanne Golon'. In the heavily chauvinistic era of post-war France when the first volume of Angélique, Marquise of Angels was launched in 1957, it was deemed unthinkable that only the name of a woman could appear solo on the cover. And yet it was deemed more than acceptable to publish this remarkable piece of literature. The remarkable original conjoining of the names came from their American publisher who proposed the strange solution of giving authorship of the novels to "Sergeanne Golon". "I was told that a man's name would be more serious. Journalists could not believe that a sole woman could be an author." Anne Golon was believed to have commented. And so the 'myth' continued until 1972 when Serge Golon, Anne's husband, a geologist, died. It was he who had provided the historical research whilst Anne established herself as the true author of the saga; despite both their names continuing to appear on all the books up to the penultimate episode 'La Victoire d'Angélique' which appeared in 1985. It was not until Anne Golon wrested back her rights to her work decades later that only her name appeared on re-published versions. However 6 years previously, in 1966, Anne and Serge had set off to the 'New World' and their itinerary, plus some interesting personal asides have been revealed by their daughter Nadine :
Anne Golon - The Gallery
A Gathering of the Clan
Prior to Anne's death, a recent photograph of the Golon Family unit l to r Cyrille, Marina, Anne Golon (centre), Pierre (standing) and Nadine - courtesy of Pierre Goloubinoff
2017
January 2017 - Anne Golon with the Comte de Paris (a direct descendant of Monsieur, Louis XIV's brother) - image provided by Nadine Golubinoff
2016
At a book signing in December 2016 just prior to her 90th birthday - image courtesy and © of Claire Saïm
2015
*A lovely picture of Anne Golon on her 94th birthday surrounded by the latest and original versions of her eternal oeuvre. - Original photograph courtesy of her daughter Nadine Goloubinoff
Anne Golon at a Book Signing in Versailles on her 94th birthday in 2015 - the caption reads "Anne Golon heureuse d'avoir fêté son anniversaire avec ses lecteurs!" - Anne Golon happily celebrates her birthday with her readers - thank you to Claire Saïm for the images.
Image prepared for the official Fb Condolences Page using the legend 'La mère de toutes les Angéliques' from an article in 'Le Monde'
Anne Golon - April 2015 - photograph courtesy of her daughter Nadine Goloubinoff - with a collection of the hardback editions of her books starting l to r with 'Marquise of the Angels' 1957.
The 'Manga Dream Team' l to r not shown) - image courtesy of Nicholas Forsans who added this after hearing of her death :
*Anne Golon enjoying the first episode, published April 2015, of the Angélique 'Manga' based on her work - original photograph provided by Nadine Goloubinoff as it appeared on the artist Dara's Fb page
Anne Golon - January 2015 supporting the Charlie Hebdo Illustrators, many of whom were murdered on Wednesday, 7th January 2015, and the concept of free speech of which she has always been a great pioneer. Anne insisted on being part of the wave of national and international sympathy despite recovering in hospital at the time. Original photograph by Nadine Golubinoff.
2014
Anne Golon - Book signing 25th October - 2014 - image © Claire Saïm
Nadine Goloubinoff's picture of her mother in October 2014
Nadine Goloubinoff's picture of her mother at a book signing in Crans-Montana, Switzerland in February 2014
2013
In the year that the new film of Angélique is released 78actu asks 'Who hasn't heard of Angélique?'
Anne Golon at the launch of the new Angélique film in Paris in December 2013
l to r Anne Golon, director Ariel Zeitoun and actor Tomer Sisley at the premiere and launch of the new film
A look of true affection bestowed on Anne by her new 'Angélique' Nora Arnezeder at the premier of the film in Paris - all images courtesy and © of Getty
2012
Anne Golon, à Paris le 14 juin 2012. © TIBOUL/MAXPPP - image courtesy of lexpress.fr
2009
Anne Golon - Versailles - TF1 (French TV)
2008
Anne in Russia in 2008 - image © of Moscow Photos - see Anne in Russia on You Tube
2007
Beautifully captured image of Anne Golon by Eric Fougere for Getty Images ©
Recently provided image by Nadine Goloubinoff of her mother, Anne Golon being feted on stage in the Czech Republic in 2007 - accompanying this image was the news that the musical is to be revived in 2016.
1999
Always happy to sign personal mementoes for her fans
1970s - 1980s
Three portraits (provenance/time unknown) of Anne Golon somewhere in Paris
1981
13th February 1981 - Anne Golon promotes her new book 'Québec' on ina.fr tv 'Le Roman dans sa diversité' (The romantic novel in its diversity) tv programme
Anne Golon - elegant author, holding her own whilst facing a panel consisting only of men in the programme arguing the merits of the romantic novel in this diverse world!
1977
29th April 1977 - Anne Golon promotes her new book 'Complot des Ombres' on ina.fr tv 'Parlez moi d'amour' (Talk to me of [sic about] Love) tv programme
1960s
Charming family photographs from the private collection of Pierre Goloubinoff taken circa 1966 in Crans-Montana - featuring Nadine, Marina, Anne and Pierre
A portrait of the author in 1966
Anne and Serge keeping track of their characters - a place for each one and attention to detail required to distinguish current, sidelined and never to return characters. Image provided by Nadine Goloubinoff
A rare photograph of Anne with Serge at the film location / studio shoot of Merveilleuse Angélique in 1965 based on the second part of the original book sub-titled 'Road to Versailles'.
A colour screen shot of the startling peacock blue, with purple trimmings dress designed for Angélique's triumphant and mysterious return to the Versailles circle.
*Anne and Serge in 1965/6 - image courtesy & © of Getty Images
*Anne & Serge Golon - 1964 with their 'stash' of books from around the world
Article promoting the authors and 'Angélique and the King'
Summer 1960 - from left to right: Anne Golon, Pierre (born April 1957), Serge Golon, Nadine (born July 1955) and Cyrille (born February 1950).
From the same time - Summer 1960 - from left to right: Anne Golon, Pierre, Serge Golon, Nadine and Cyrille with unnamed companion
*Family photographs from the private collection of Pierre Goloubinoff - from left to right: Anne Golon, Nadine, Cyrille, Serge Golon and Pierre (front of picture)
*Charming family photographs from the private collection of Pierre Goloubinoff - from left to right: Serge Golon, Cyrille, Anne Golon, Pierre (on her knee) and Nadine (seated on a pouffe)
Anne and Serge at their Swiss Chalet in 1960 shortly after 'Angélique and the King' makes its public debut
Compilation of the original 'Angélique' book dustjackets in 1960 - image provided by Nadine Goloubinoff
1957
Anne Golon at work in 1957 - original image supplied by Nadine Golubinoff
*Success on every level in 1957 - proud parents Anne and Serge Golon with their babies Nadine and the Marquise des Anges
Anne and Serge enjoying their success with a selection of hardbacks proving their global popularity.
1956
*A semi-formal portrait of Anne from 1956 and which was used on the back cover for the 1956 edition of the German publication of 'Angélique, Marquise of the Angels' - source unknown
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* Dates/names/content changed/added at the request of Nadine Goloubinoff who kindly picked out some inaccuracies.
Page refreshed : 16th February 2021 (G)