Overview

Francis I of France led one of the most colourful and influential courts of the sixteenth century. Known as the 'knight-king', he was a chivalric warrior, a strong ruler and a passionate patron of the arts and of the French nobility. While he faced setbacks and took significant risks, Francis left his successor a kingdom that was larger, better governed and more stable than before. This concise biography paints a vivid portrait of Francis, exploring his achievements, challenges and enduring legacy. It captures his role in shaping the French Renaissance, blending engaging storytelling with insights drawn from extensive primary research. Cogent and lively, this book provides a clear narrative of Francis's reign and explains why he is celebrated as France's great Renaissance monarch.

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9781836391210

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Reviews

Written with energy, humour and an eye for telling detail, Glenn Richardson’s book tells of a remarkable king who exerted considerable power but is all too often overlooked. Much more than simply a study of a particular monarch, Francis I draws the reader into a world not only of courtly grandeur, artistic patronage and architectural innovation, but political and religious upheaval, constant diplomatic manoeuvring, and military action resulting in moments of triumph or, more often, expensive disappointment. * Janet Dickinson, Departmental Lecturer in Lifelong Learning (History), University of Oxford *

Written with energy, humour and an eye for telling detail, Glenn Richardson’s book tells of a remarkable king who exerted considerable power but is all too often overlooked. Much more than simply a study of a particular monarch, Francis I draws the reader into a world not only of courtly grandeur, artistic patronage and architectural innovation, but political and religious upheaval, constant diplomatic manoeuvring, and military action resulting in moments of triumph or, more often, expensive disappointment. * Janet Dickinson, Departmental Lecturer in Lifelong Learning (History), University of Oxford * Glenn Richardson’s fresh account of the reign of the ""first gentleman of France"" is full of the vibrant colour and bold innovations of France’s great Renaissance king. It is a story of statecraft, courtiers, lovers, battles and some of the finest royal architecture still standing in France today. * Jonathan Spangler, Senior Lecturer in History, Manchester Metropolitan University *

Author Information

Glenn Richardson is professor of early modern history at St Mary's University and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. His books include Wolsey and The Field of Cloth of Gold.

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