Jules Michelet's history of France from 1484 to 1515 is not a dry chronology. It's the gripping story of a kingdom in a precarious transition. The period opens with a massive problem: King Louis XI is dead, and his successor, Charles VIII, is only thirteen years old and in poor health. France is left without a strong adult ruler for the first time in generations.

The Story

The real power falls to a regency council led by Charles's older sister, Anne de Beaujeu. Michelet shows us her brilliant, tough, and often ruthless struggle to control the French nobility, who see the boy-king's weakness as their chance to grab more land and influence. We follow Charles as he grows up, escapes the control of his regents, and embarks on a grand—and ultimately disastrous—military adventure to conquer the Kingdom of Naples in Italy. This Italian campaign drains the treasury and exposes France to new dangers. The story then shifts to Louis XII, who picks up the pieces and continues the Italian wars with mixed success. The era closes with the young Francis I taking the throne, a charismatic king who represents a new chapter for France, but one built on the shaky foundations of the previous thirty years.

Why You Should Read It

You should read this because Michelet makes history feel urgent and human. He isn't interested in just listing battles and treaties. He wants you to understand the personalities. Anne de Beaujeu isn't just a "regent"; she's a savvy political operator fighting to save her family's legacy. Charles VIII isn't just a king; he's a dreamer chasing glory in Italy, blind to the consequences back home. Michelet has a point of view. He champions the idea of France itself as a character, slowly becoming a unified nation despite the chaos. His writing is passionate. You can feel his frustration with the waste of the Italian wars and his admiration for those who tried to govern wisely. It's history told with a novelist's eye for drama and a patriot's feeling for his country.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves rich, character-driven nonfiction. If you enjoy biographies of powerful figures or narratives about political intrigue, you'll find a lot to love here. It's also a great pick for readers of historical fiction who want to explore the real events behind the novels. A little patience is helpful, as the 19th-century prose can be dense at times, but the effort is worth it. This isn't a simple introduction; it's a deep, engaging, and opinionated dive into a fascinating crisis that shaped modern France.