Product Description

Spanning France's development across four centuries, Capetian France, 987-1328, 2e is a definitive book. This second edition has been carefully revised to take account of the very latest work, without losing the original book's popular balance between a compelling narrative and an fascinating examination of the period's main themes. In 987, when Hugh Capet took the throne of France, founding a dynasty which was to rule for over 300 years, his kingdom was weak and insignificant. But by 1100, the kingdom of France was beginning to dominate the cultural and religious life of western Europe. In the centuries that followed, to scholars and to poets, to reforming churchmen and monks, to crusaders and the designers of churches, France was the hub of the universe. It drew people like a magnet even though its kings were, until about 1200, comparatively insignificant figures. Then, thanks to the conquests and reforms of King Philip Augustus, France became a dominant force in political and economic terms as well, producing a saint-king, Louis IX, and in Philip IV, a ruler so powerful that he could dictate to popes and emperors. Readers interested in Medieval or French history.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #523995 in Books
• Published on: 2001-02-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 496 pages

Review
'a treasury of reference...can be warmly recommended' History

From the Back Cover
Spanning France's development across four centuries, Capetian France, 987-1328, 2e is a definitive book. This second edition has been carefully revised to take account of the very latest work, without losing the original book's popular balance between a compelling narrative and an fascinating examination of the period's main themes. In 987, when Hugh Capet took the throne of France, founding a dynasty which was to rule for over 300 years, his kingdom was weak and insignificant. But by 1100, the kingdom of France was beginning to dominate the cultural and religious life of western Europe. In the centuries that followed, to scholars and to poets, to reforming churchmen and monks, to crusaders and the designers of churches, France was the hub of the universe. It drew people like a magnet even though its kings were, until about 1200, comparatively insignificant figures. Then, thanks to the conquests and reforms of King Philip Augustus, France became a dominant force in political and economic terms as well, producing a saint-king, Louis IX, and in Philip IV, a ruler so powerful that he could dictate to popes and emperors.

Readers interested in Medieval or French history.

Customer Reviews

Vivid Portrait of Capetian France
This books provides a well written history of Capetian France, covering the monarchs as well as society, the economy and the monarch's relations with the Church. The authors provide many maps and genealogical tables, numerous chapter endnotes and an extensive bibliography. I highly recommend this book for lovers of medieval history!