The Royal Succession

by Maurice Druon Book 4 in the The Accursed Kings series.

First published 1957

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4.4(964)

With Louis X dead and Clementia pregnant, Philip of Poitiers becomes regent while Charles of Valois and supporters of Louis's daughter Joan contest the future of the crown. Philip also intervenes in the prolonged papal conclave at Lyon, seeking a pope who will support political stability.

The birth and rapid death of John I leave France without a male direct heir. Philip uses legal argument and control of the coronation to become Philip V, establishing the exclusion of women that later generations associate with Salic succession; the novel fictionalises the infant king's death as part of the wider conspiracy.

Historical Periods

Late Medievalc. 1300–1500 CE Artois Succession Dispute1302–1332 CE Reign of Louis X of France1314–1316 CE

Genres

Court & Political Fiction Historical Sagas Historical Thriller

Historical people

Mahaut, Countess of Artois1269–1329 Robert III of Artois1287–1342 Philip V of France1293–1322 Charles of Valois1270–1325 Clementia of Hungary1293–1328 John I of France1316–1316 Joan II of Navarre1311–1349