Book Review: The Man Who Believed He Was King of France

[Gregoire de Lyon]

The Man Who Believed He Was King of France

A fun, true-life story of teh 14th Century the 14th century. The book is rather short, but is an entirely readable English addition of an Italian translation of extant documents outlining the life and times of a 14th Century merchant who was made to believe that he was the rightful king of France. The book details his trials and tribulations as he seeks allies and alliances in his quest to regain his "rightful throne".

The book gives insight into some of the politics being played by the countries adjacent to the 100 Years War in order to capitalize on the chaos taking place in France. Also, the book gives us great detail in passing about day-to-day concerns of the noble traveler during this time.

I highly recommend the book. It is short and available as an e-book for less than half the price of the hardback!

[Russ Mitchell]

Interesting that me mentions Hungary: is the author aware of the Anglo-Hungarian alliance?

[Gregoire de Lyon]

The author doesn't do any analysis - this is a translation of existing documents put into a cohesive story. The supposed king went to Hungary looking for financial and military support for his claim to the throne.

[Russ Mitchell]

Be interesting to see what he got there; I'll pick it up, thanks.

[Kel Rekuta]

Interesting that me mentions Hungary: is the author aware of the Anglo-Hungarian alliance?

And here I thought that was just a plot line from Black Adder I.

[Russ Mitchell]

Eh, no. Edward III actually delayed his initial invasion until he met with one of Louis' emissaries. The Hundred Years' War was a bit more wide-ranging and complicated than the english-language historiography makes it out to be.