The Illusion of the Burgundian State

Hardback

Main Details

Title The Illusion of the Burgundian State
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Elodie Lecuppre-Desjardin
Translated by Christopher Fletcher
SeriesManchester Medieval Studies
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:368
Dimensions(mm): Height 216,Width 138
Category/GenreLiterary studies - classical, early and medieval
ISBN/Barcode 9781526144331
ClassificationsDewey:944.4027
Audience
General
Illustrations 1 Maps

Publishing Details

Publisher Manchester University Press
Imprint Manchester University Press
Publication Date 25 January 2022
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

On 25 January 1474, Charles the Bold, duke of Burgundy, appeared before his subjects in Dijon. Robed in silk, gold and precious jewels and wearing a headpiece that gave the illusion of a crown, he made a speech in which he cryptically expressed his desire to become a king. Three years later, Charles was killed at the battle of Nancy, an event that plunged the Great Principality of Burgundy into chaos. This book, innovative and essential, not only explores Burgundian history and historiography but offers a complete synthesis about the nature of politics in this region, considered both from the north and the south. Focusing on political ideologies, a number of important issues are raised relating to the medieval state, the signification of the nation under the 'Ancien Regime', the role of warfare in the creation of political power and the impact of political loyalties in the exercise of government. In doing so, the book challenges a number of existing ideas about the Burgundian state.

Author Biography

Elodie Lecuppre-Desjardin is Professor of Medieval History at Lille University (IRHiS, IUF) -- .