The Observations of Gilles le Bouvier

A Medieval Herald’s View of Europe and its Neighbouring Lands

Translated from the medieval French, this book is a landmark English-language version of the work of Gilles le Bouvier. As the senior herald to King Charles VII, the monarch on the French throne as they advanced to victory in the Hundred Years’ War between England, France and their allies, Gilles le Bouvier was close to the king during a decisive, formative period in France’s history, as well as being a well-known figure from the period. The Observations of Gilles le Bouvier thus delivers a rare glimpse of a singular medieval worldview, offered through the constrained voice of a skilled diplomat carefully and occasionally sharing his opinions to audiences composed of his social superiors.

During his lifelong career as a messenger and a diplomat in Charles’s service, Gilles le Bouvier, known as The Berry Herald, travelled far and wide on his master’s behalf. This translated work is a compilation of his observations as he moved around Western Europe, the Mediterranean states and the Black Sea region. Throughout the text, Gilles le Bouvier:

* assessed or commented on the lands encompassed by his extensive travels
* discussed the peoples he claimed to have encountered, from the honourable Turks to the ‘bad Catholics’ of southern Italy
* surveyed the military capabilities of France’s neighbours, allies, enemies and neutral states

Expertly introduced and contextualised by Gideon Brough and Sophie Patrick, this book provides a compelling and unique historical source for understanding life in late-medieval Europe through the eyes of someone who lived it.

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