The good king: René of Anjou and fifteenth century Europe

Abstract

"René of Anjou is best known to English language readers as the father of Margaret, queen of Henry VI. René's failure to make good his claim to the kingdom of Naples or to give his daughter a decent dowry condemn him as a loser. Yet he is still remembered in his lands of Anjou and Provence as "good king René". This book discusses his career and reputation with his contemporaries and posterity in the context of his family fortunes, patronage of the arts and the crises that beset Europe: conflicts within the Catholic Church, the Empire, Italy and the Hundred Years War."

Contents

Introduction: 'Good' and 'Bad' Kings -- 1. Anjou, Bar, Lorraine and Provence -- 2. Naples: the 'Italian Wasp-Nest' -- 3. End of the Hundred Years War -- 4. Rene's Court -- 5. Dissolution of Rene's apanage -- Conclusion: the Paradox of the Good King -- Bibliography -- Index.