Francis I - (Renaissance Lives) by Glenn Richardson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A compelling, concise biography of the sixteenth-century French king, whose patronage was central to Renaissance art.

Francis I of France led one of the most colorful and influential reigns 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 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.

Review Quotes

"A brilliant insight into the fascinating and intriguing character of a lion of the European Renaissance."--Mary Hollingsworth, author of 'Catherine de' Medici: The Life and Times of the Serpent Queen'

"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, Manchester Metropolitan University

"Written with energy, humor 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, University of Oxford

About the Author

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.