The King without a Kingdom

Name: The King without a Kingdom
Rating: 3.6 (565 reviews)

by Maurice Druon Book 7 in the The Accursed Kings series.

First published 1977

Amazon

3.6(565)

Cardinal Hélie de Talleyrand-Périgord recounts the reign of John II, whose hostility towards Charles of Navarre and dependence on a narrow circle of favourites deepen France's political divisions. War, taxation and the continuing effects of plague leave the kingdom vulnerable to English raids and internal opposition.

John's defeat and capture by the Black Prince at Poitiers create a struggle over ransom, reform and royal authority. The dauphin Charles faces Étienne Marcel in Paris, Charles of Navarre's ambitions and the Jacquerie, while the captive king attempts to preserve an ideal of honour that his damaged kingdom can no longer afford.

Historical Periods

Battle of Poitiers1356 CE Black Death1347–1351 CE French Political Crisis of 1356–13581356–1358 CE Reign of John II of France1350–1364 CE

Genres

Court & Political Fiction War Fiction

Historical people

John II of France1319–1364 Charles V of France1338–1380 Charles II of Navarre1332–1387 Étienne Marcel1315–1358 Edward, the Black Prince1330–1376 Hélie de Talleyrand-Périgord1301–1364