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Known as one of the most talented modern writers, and possibly the greatest children’s author in history, Roald Dahl’s works have met great praise and criticism over the years. Although whimsical and heart-warming, his stories were often much darker than most children’s books, and were the subject of polarizing reviews. Similarly, his life as a student, pilot, spy, and father was full of fantastical highs—and unimaginably grim lows.

Picture this. For the very first time, England has executed its own king. First, they arrest him for treason, and then they behead him. And he’s your father. You go into exile for a decade, only to have your former enemies invite you back to take his place as the next monarch. That was the dangerous situation that Charles II faced when he became King of England—and the peril and tragedy didn’t stop there. Here are scandalous facts about Charles II, the deposed king.

General George Patton Jr was a true career serviceman, and he was able to leave an indelible mark on American and WWII history. But that doesn’t mean his career wasn’t riddled with egoism and the occasional dramatic failure. Patton knew nothing but conflict—but as you’ll see, he was very good at what he did.

Today, most know the Medici family for their notorious exploits in Renaissance Italy, yet few remember their infamous descendant Marie de' Medici, whose scandals were somehow even more shameful. After Marie became Queen of France in 1610, she began a ruthless reign of cruel betrayals, shocking violence, and overweening ambition. Buckle up: This is one Medici who made good on her villainous name.

Like any wealthy family that catches the public’s eye, the Rockefellers had a rather vast closet full of family scandals. Stories of extra-marital affairs, illegitimate children, bigamy, and even cannibalism rocked the Rockefeller world. As a result of these secrets, this family had an obsession with keeping the press and the public on their side. But there was one secret—dating back to the family's origins—that had the potential to bring this family down to its knees.

Sophia Dorothea of Celle was the wife of the future King George I of England, yet this fairy-tale existence turned to tragedy early on. From a horrific betrayal to a 300-year-old murder mystery that is unsolved to this day, Sophia's life is not one you want to miss.

Of all the “Million Dollar Princesses” from America’s gilded age who married into the old European aristocracy, it was Mary Curzon who achieved the highest rank of all. Although she began as new money, mercantile stock, she rose to the high and controversial title of Vicereine of India—and then ended her life decades too early, in heartbreaking misery.

As a daughter of King George III and Queen Charlotte, Princess Sophia should've had the world at her feet. Instead, she lived in a near-lifelong lockdown thanks to a family riddled with illness, fear, and scandal. Let’s unlock these desperate facts about Princess Sophia, the good girl who couldn’t shake her bad reputation.

Mata Hari is one of history's ultimate femme fatales. She gained fame for her seductive dancing, only to be executed by the French for being a double agent. These days, her name is a byword for badly-behaved women, but beneath all the hype, what do we know about Mata Hari? Where did she come from, and did she really do everything she was accused of? We're uncovering the secret history of Mata Hari, the world's most infamous seductress.

Richard III is one of history's greatest villains. He was a deformed usurper who stole the throne and paid the ultimate price for it. But who was the man behind the stories? It turns out, Richard III was one of the most unlikely, ruthless, and compelling rulers in the history of England. So, was Richard III a misunderstood figure, or a tyrant who earned his reputation with blood? Dive into his dark history and decide for yourself.

Al Capone is the most infamous gangster in American history. This larger-than-life figure terrorized the streets of prohibition-era Chicago, yet his boisterous personality and extravagant lifestyle made him a national celebrity. But the life Alfonse Capone lived came with a heavy price. When Scarface's end finally came, it was absolutely brutal—but it was one heck of a ride while it lasted.

Francis I of France is inevitably compared to Henry VIII. Both kings had big personalities, big love affairs, and big scandals that rocked the face of Europe. But there’s a lot more to Francis than just the similarities to the Tudor counterpart. From his unlikely ascension to the throne to his brutal defeats and torturous later years, Francis did not languish in his neighbor's shadow.