The Lily and the Lion

Name: The Lily and the Lion
Rating: 4.4 (1039 reviews)

by Maurice Druon Book 6 in the The Accursed Kings series.

First published 1960

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4.4(1,039)

Charles IV dies without a surviving son, ending the direct Capetian line. Robert of Artois helps Philip of Valois secure the crown as Philip VI rather than allow Edward III's claim through Isabella of France, expecting the new king to reward him by overturning Mahaut's possession of Artois.

Robert's use of forged evidence destroys his position at the French court and drives him into exile in England. There he encourages Edward III's claim to France, turning a private feud into one of the political forces behind the opening of the Hundred Years' War.

Historical Periods

Hundred Years’ War in France1337–1453 CE Artois Succession Dispute1302–1332 CE Reign of Charles IV of France1322–1328 CE

Genres

Court & Political Fiction Historical Sagas War Fiction

Historical people

Edward III of England1312–1377 Mahaut, Countess of Artois1269–1329 Robert III of Artois1287–1342 Charles IV of France1294–1328 Isabella of France1295–1358 Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March1287–1330 Philip VI of France1293–1350 Robert I, Count of Artois1216–1250