Product Description

Boydell & Brewer does a major service by the simultaneous reissue of Richard Vaughan's studies of the Valois Dukes of Burgundy. Four distinguished scholars add extra value by contributing an introductory chapter for each ducal reign, surveying its historiography since the original publication... The story, which Vaughan tells with verve, has its full share of dramatic turns(:) this is much more, though, than simply a narrative history; Vaughan's meticulous explorations of the administrative and financial structures that underpinned ducal authority, and of the court and its culture, are integral to his exposition (...) His achievement remains monumental. There are no comparable, modern, in-depth studies of these four larger-than-life players on the late medieval European stage, in English or in any other language. They are, besides, eminently readable. Maurice Keen, TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENTWhen in 1363 the duke of Burgundy died without an heir, the duchy returned to the French crown. John II's decision to give it to his fourth son, Philip, had some logic behind it, given the independence of the inhabitants; but in so doing he created the basis for a power which was to threaten France's own existence in the following century, and which was to become one of the most influential and glittering courts of Europe. Much of this was due to the character of Philip the Bold; by marrying the daughter of the count of Flanders, he inherited the wealth of the great Flemish towns in 1384, and the union of the two great fiefdoms to the north and east of France under one ruler meant that the resources of the duke of Burgundy were as great as those of the kingdom itself. From 1392 onwards, he was at loggerheads with the regent of France, his brother Louis, duke of Orleans, and this schism was to prove fatal to the kingdom, weakening the administration and leading to the French defeat by Henry V in 1415. Richard Vaughan describes the process by which Philip fashioned this new power, in particular his administrative techniques; but he also gives due weight to the splendours of the new court, in the sphere of the arts, and records the history of its one disastrous failure, the crusade of Nicopolis in 1396. He also offers a portrait of Philip himself, energetic, ambitious and shrewd, the driving force behind the new duchy and its rapid rise to an influential place among the courts of Europe.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #669778 in Books
• Published on: 2009-08-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 314 pages

Review
On series: A major achievement in European historiography. ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW His achievement remains monumental. There are no comparable, modern, in-depth studies of these four larger-than-life players on the late medieval European stage, in English or in any other language. They are, besides, eminently readable. Maurice Keen, TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT

Maurice Keen, Times Literary Supplement
On series: "[Vaughan's] achievement remains monumental. There are no comparable, modern, in-depth studies... They are, besides, eminently readable."

Customer Reviews

A fine series of the great Dukes of Burgundy - part one : Philip the Bold
This is part 1 of the reissue in a condensed manner of Richard Vaughan's seminal 1962-73 Dukes of Burgundy the most complete study of the Valois Duchy of Burgundy.


The Dukes of Burgundy had been great and almighty princes in the late medieval age. Their spendid court ceremonial survived long after their end. Today they are more or less forgotten. So it is splendid that this series remembers these great princes.

The Valois Dukes of Burgundy refers to the dynasty which began after John II of France (also Duke of Burgundy as John I) granted the Duchy of Burgundy to his youngest son, Philip the Bold in 1364. So the dukes were princes of the French Royal House.There were 5 rulers - four males and one female.

Born in 1342, Philip gained his cognomen the Bold when, at the age of 14, he fought beside his father at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. On 19 June 1369, Philip married the 19 year old Margaret of Dampierre, the daughter of Louis II, Count of Flanders, who would become the heiress of Flanders, Brabant, Artois, and the Free County of Burgundy. He had become one of the greatest land holders of Europe and a powerful magnate.

His career in France was however decisive. One and than the most powerful of the regents during the minority of his nephew Charles VI of France he took control of France as regent when Charles VI went mad. He ruled from 1392-1402. His seizure of power would, however, have disastrous consequences for the unity of the House of Valois, and of France itself. The King's brother, Louis, Duke of Orléans, resented his uncle rather than himself being regent. The result was a feud between the Philip and Louis and their houses. This struggle only served to enhance the reputation of Philip, and give him real popularity in Paris, since, in comparison with the profligate and irresponsible Orléans, he appeared a sober and honest reformer. Thus, although Charles VI, in a rare moment of sanity, confirmed his brother as regent in 1402, Orléans' misrule allowed Burgundy to regain control of France as regent in 1404, shortly before his death in 1404.

This excellent books takes one back to the monumental struggles of the great magnates in France when a weak king could not hold out. A splendid court can not cover the ugliness and selfishness of the great magnates. This book shows the personality and power urges of one of the great players of the time. It is gripping and very readable. The Duke was a power conscious man, created a state in a state, but could not bridge gaps and therefore created the seed for the final downfall of his house.

This book is inded an interesting read!

A thourough study, not popular history
Although the liner notes of this book speak highly of the author's narrative talents, this is first and foremost a serious study of the organisation and governing bodies of the emerging Burgundian state. Those hoping for entertaining popular history will be disappointed. Mr. Vale's prose can hardly be called 'narrative' and Philip the Bold was not the kind of person to give rise to even a single anecdote. This is a book for the serious student and a good study as such; all others should steer clear.