The Chronicles of Enguerrand De Monstrelet, Vol. 01 [Of 13]: Containing an Account of the Cruel Civil Wars Between the Houses of Orleans and Burgundy, of the Possession of Paris and Normandy by the English, Their Expulsion Thence, and of Other Memorable Events That Happened in the Kingdom of France, as Well as in Other Countries

Name: The Chronicles of Enguerrand De Monstrelet, Vol. 01 [Of 13]: Containing an Account of the Cruel Civil Wars Between the Houses of Orleans and Burgundy, of the Possession of Paris and Normandy by the English, Their Expulsion Thence, and of Other Memorable Events That Happened in the Kingdom of France, as Well as in Other Countries
Author: Enguerrand de Monstrelet

Enguerrand de Monstrelet

1453

Translated by Thomas Johnes

''The Chronicles of Enguerrand de Monstrelet, Vol. 01 [of 13]'' is a historical account written in the early 19th century, translated by Thomas Johnes. This volume covers the tumultuous civil wars in France between the Houses of Orleans and Burgundy, the tumultuous English presence in Paris and Normandy, and other significant historical events from 1400 to 1422. The chronicles serve not only as a narrative of events but also provide insight into the characters involved, such as King Charles VI and prominent nobles of the time. The opening of the work introduces readers to the backdrop of the history being chronicled and sets the tone for the political and military strife that follows. The prologue emphasizes the duty of historians to recount the valorous deeds of knights and men, establishing a framework for the detailed historical narrative. The first chapter begins with the reign of King Charles VI, highlighting his early successes before detailing the onset of his madness, which led to a power struggle among the princes of the blood royal. This pivotal moment marks the genesis of the ensuing conflicts that will dominate Monstrelet's chronicles, unveiling the complex interplay of personal ambition and national heritage during this turbulent period.

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''The Chronicles of Enguerrand de Monstrelet, Vol. 01 [of 13]'' is a historical account written in the early 19th centur...

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The Chronicles of Enguerrand De Monstrelet, Vol. 01 [Of 13]: Containing an Account of the Cruel Civil Wars Between the Houses of Orleans and Burgundy, of the Possession of Paris and Normandy by the English, Their Expulsion Thence, and of Other Memorable Events That Happened in the Kingdom of France, as Well as in Other Countries

Project Gutenberg · 384 pages

EPUB

Chapter Summaries

Prologue: Monstrelet explains his purpose in writing this chronicle, following Froissart's work from 1400. He describes his methodology of consulting reliable sources and his commitment to impartial truth-telling.
I: Background on Charles VI's early successful reign and the onset of his mental illness in 1392. The king's condition leads to jealousy among the princes and sets the stage for future conflicts.
II: Michel d'Orris, a Spanish esquire, challenges English knights to combat. Extended correspondence with John Prendergast results in no actual combat, illustrating the elaborate protocols of chivalric challenge.

Key Themes

Political Power and Legitimacy: The chronicle explores questions of rightful authority, especially during Charles VI's mental illness. The struggle between Orleans and Burgundy represents competing claims to legitimate governance and regency.
Religious Authority and Schism: The Western Schism with competing popes reflects the broader theme of divided authority. France's withdrawal from papal obedience parallels the internal political divisions.
Honor and Chivalric Ideals: Medieval concepts of honor, loyalty, and chivalric conduct are central to the narrative. Characters justify their actions through appeals to knightly virtue and feudal obligations.

Characters

Charles VI (the Well-Beloved)(major): King of France who suffers from periodic mental illness. His condition creates a power vacuum that leads to civil war between the houses of Orleans and Burgundy.
Louis Duke of Orleans(major): Brother to King Charles VI and rival to the Duke of Burgundy for control of France. He is assassinated in Paris in 1407, sparking a civil war.
John Duke of Burgundy (John the Fearless)(major): Powerful duke who orders the assassination of Louis of Orleans and justifies it publicly. He leads the Burgundian faction in the civil war.
Philip the Bold(major): Duke of Burgundy and uncle to Charles VI. A powerful regent who dies in 1404, leaving his son John to inherit his titles and ambitions.
Isabella of Bavaria(major): Queen of France and wife to Charles VI. She becomes involved in the political struggles and flees Paris during periods of unrest.
Henry IV of England (Henry of Lancaster)(major): King of England who usurped the throne from Richard II. He engages in diplomatic and military conflicts with France.

The Chronicles of Enguerrand De Monstrelet, Vol. 01 [Of 13]: Containing an Account of the Cruel Civil Wars Between the Houses of Orleans and Burgundy, of the Possession of Paris and Normandy by the English, Their Expulsion Thence, and of Other Memorable Events That Happened in the Kingdom of France, as Well as in Other Countries

Enguerrand de Monstrelet

1453

Translated by Thomas Johnes

Project Gutenberg

''The Chronicles of Enguerrand de Monstrelet, Vol. 01 [of 13]'' is a historical account written in the early 19th centur...

Goodreads

X-Ray

Ebooks1

Project Gutenberg · 384 pages

EPUB

Chapter Summaries

Prologue: Monstrelet explains his purpose in writing this chronicle, following Froissart's work from 1400. He describes his methodology of consulting reliable sources and his commitment to impartial truth-telling.
I: Background on Charles VI's early successful reign and the onset of his mental illness in 1392. The king's condition leads to jealousy among the princes and sets the stage for future conflicts.
II: Michel d'Orris, a Spanish esquire, challenges English knights to combat. Extended correspondence with John Prendergast results in no actual combat, illustrating the elaborate protocols of chivalric challenge.

Key Themes

Political Power and Legitimacy: The chronicle explores questions of rightful authority, especially during Charles VI's mental illness. The struggle between Orleans and Burgundy represents competing claims to legitimate governance and regency.
Religious Authority and Schism: The Western Schism with competing popes reflects the broader theme of divided authority. France's withdrawal from papal obedience parallels the internal political divisions.
Honor and Chivalric Ideals: Medieval concepts of honor, loyalty, and chivalric conduct are central to the narrative. Characters justify their actions through appeals to knightly virtue and feudal obligations.

Characters

Charles VI (the Well-Beloved)(major): King of France who suffers from periodic mental illness. His condition creates a power vacuum that leads to civil war between the houses of Orleans and Burgundy.
Louis Duke of Orleans(major): Brother to King Charles VI and rival to the Duke of Burgundy for control of France. He is assassinated in Paris in 1407, sparking a civil war.
John Duke of Burgundy (John the Fearless)(major): Powerful duke who orders the assassination of Louis of Orleans and justifies it publicly. He leads the Burgundian faction in the civil war.
Philip the Bold(major): Duke of Burgundy and uncle to Charles VI. A powerful regent who dies in 1404, leaving his son John to inherit his titles and ambitions.
Isabella of Bavaria(major): Queen of France and wife to Charles VI. She becomes involved in the political struggles and flees Paris during periods of unrest.
Henry IV of England (Henry of Lancaster)(major): King of England who usurped the throne from Richard II. He engages in diplomatic and military conflicts with France.