Notes on Louis XI: With Some Short Extracts From Commines Memoirs (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

Philippe De Commynes

 
9780265433546: Notes on Louis XI: With Some Short Extracts From Commines Memoirs (Classic Reprint)

Synopsis

Firsthand portraits of a powerful king and the advisors who shaped a realm.

This collection draws on the author’s long service at Louis XI’s side, offering a clear view of a ruler who balanced diplomacy, heavy finances, and constant vigilance. The notes blend observation with reflection, presenting a prince who was both praised for prudence and feared for his secrets. You’ll glimpse the king’s complex character, his wins and faults, and the world that shaped him.

Readers gain a sense of court life, governance in action, and the personal toll of power—from dramatic illnesses to wary schemes within the realm. The text foregrounds practical details and memorable scenes that illuminate the period without losing sight of the human price of leadership.

  • A firsthand account of Louis XI’s temperament, decisions, and how he kept control over a wary court.
  • Vivid scenes from the king’s later years, including illness, travel, and the guarding of state secrets.
  • Observations on virtue, vice, and the moral complexity of ruling a kingdom.
  • A window into 15th-century diplomacy, warfare preparation, and the politics of patronage.

Ideal for readers of medieval history, political biography, and court intrigue seeking a grounded, contemporary perspective on a legendary monarch.

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