L'Heureux chanoine de Rome

This anonymous novel tells the story of the diverse adventures and intrigues associated with Francesco Bertinetti.

Francesco Bertinetti, also known as François Bertinet, was an Italian medalist active in France from about 1653 to 1686. He died sometime after 1706. He acquired great fame, at the time of Louis XIV, for his medals. He was also private secretary to Nicolas Fouquet, minister of finances, for whom it has been suggested that he worked in a diplomatic role, perhaps even as a secret agent. Fouquet fell from favour and was imprisoned by the King from 1661 until he died.

Comparatively little is known of his life, but according to this novel he lead a very adventurous life.