Interesting. Byron, I'm sure you are already aware of the connection between Choderlos de Laclos (author of the notorious, but brilliant, Les liaisons dangereuses), the Duc d'Orleans and the Illuminati? If not, you might find it yet more food for thought....

Yes, I have heard of that connection, too.

Interesting point about Mary Shelley's possible sources of inspiration.
And interesting quote from Hebert's Pere Duchesne....if that quote was by Hebert himself, I'm not surprised that he was a FAILED playwright. Besises spite for Marie Antoinette, those words show very simplistic and vulgar language.

Thank you for the tidbit Bryon. That's extremely interesting.