A Real Figaro: Pierre Beaumarchais (Spy vs. Spy)

Pierre Beaumarchais was a man of many talents. He made watches, played the harp, wrote blockbuster plays, and also got involved in international arms dealing . . . . you know, as one does. Well, Louis XV also sent him on a secret mission to London to suppress the publication of a libelous pamphlet.

Above: Scene from Marriage of Figaro, Beaumarchais's most celebrated comedy.