Francis I: The Maker of Modern France

Francis I was a significant king who was inconstant, amorous, hot-headed, and flawed. He was a contemporary of Henry VIII and saw himself as the first Renaissance king. He was a courageous and heroic warrior, aesthete, diplomat, and ruler who turned his country into a force to be reckoned with.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2021
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

A Captivating Biography:


This captivating story is packed with anecdotes that shed light on the life and times of one of history's most intriguing figures. The Times has praised it as "a better English biography of Francis, or indeed is likely to be one," while the Catholic Herald has hailed it as "arguably the most significant king that France ever had."


A Contemporary of Henry VIII:


Francis I, a contemporary of Henry VIII of England, saw himself as the first Renaissance king. He was a courageous and heroic warrior, known for his bravery on the battlefield and his skill in diplomacy. However, he was also flawed, with his inconstancy, amorous nature, hot-headedness, and occasional bouts of arrogance.


The First Renaissance King:


Francis I believed that he was destined to usher in a new era of enlightenment and progress in France. He was a keen aesthete, with a deep appreciation for art, literature, and music. He was also an accomplished diplomat, able to navigate the complex political landscape of his time with skill and tact.


A Comprehensive and Sympathetic Account:


Bestselling historian Leonie Frieda has provided a comprehensive and sympathetic account of the life of the most human of all Renaissance monarchs, and the most enigmatic. In her book, she explores Francis's complex personality, his relationships with his wives, his children, and his courtiers, as well as his military campaigns and his efforts to modernize France.


The Most Human of All Renaissance Monarchs:


What sets Francis I apart from other Renaissance kings is his willingness to embrace his human flaws and imperfections. He was not afraid to admit his mistakes, and he was often open and honest with his subjects. This humanization of the king made him more relatable to his people, and it helped to establish a sense of trust and loyalty between him and his subjects.


The Enigmatic Nature of Francis I:


Despite his many accomplishments and his humanizing qualities, Francis I remains an enigmatic figure in history. His life and reign were marked by a series of contradictions and paradoxes, which have left historians and scholars puzzled and intrigued. Some have argued that his hot-headedness and his desire for power led him to make some of the most disastrous decisions in French history, while others have praised his courage and his willingness to challenge the status quo.


Conclusion:


In conclusion, Francis I was a fascinating and complex figure in history, a Renaissance king who embraced his human flaws and imperfections while striving to modernize and transform his country. His life and reign have left a lasting impact on French history, and his legacy continues to be studied and celebrated today. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, this captivating biography is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about one of the most significant kings of the Renaissance.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474601221