Marie of France: Countess of Champagne, 1145-1198

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2019
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

Countess Marie of Champagne, renowned for her lineage as the daughter of Louis VII of France and Eleanor of Aquitaine, holds a prominent place in history as a literary patron of Chrétien de Troyes. In this captivating biography, Theodore Evergates presents a comprehensive portrayal of Marie, highlighting her remarkable achievements as a successful ruler of one of the wealthiest and most vibrant principalities in medieval France.

Marie's rule began at the age of thirty-four and extended until her passing. Initially, she governed on behalf of her husband, Henry the Liberal, during his journey to Jerusalem. Subsequently, she assumed the reins for her underage son, Henry II, and continued to rule after his majority, even during his absence on the Third Crusade and extended residence in the Levant. As the presiding officer of the High Court of Champagne and responsible for overseeing the numerous practical aspects of governance, Marie exercised her authority with the guidance of her court officers, yet she remained unconstrained by either the king or a regency council.

If Henry the Liberal established the county of Champagne as a dynamic and prosperous state, it was Marie who skillfully preserved and sustained it. Evergates delves into Marie's letters patent and the literary and religious texts associated with her to unveil a more complete picture of her life and work. He contextualizes Marie within the regional institutions and external events that shaped her existence, as well as within her extensive royal half-sibling family, which included King Philip II of France and her Plantagenet brothers, and her numerous in-laws, including Queen Mother Adele and Archbishop William of Reims. Those who knew Marie intimately describe her as determined, gracious, and pious, as well as an effective ruler in the face of various external challenges.

Marie's legacy as a patron of literature and a ruler remains significant, and her story continues to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike. Through Evergates's meticulous research and insightful analysis, readers gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable woman and her contributions to medieval French history.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 162 x 238 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780812250770