French Chronology with Biographies: the first Bourbons

Henry IV (Henry of Navarre): he escaped attempted poisoning by his mother-in-law (Catherine de Medici), the wiles of his wife Queen Margot (Marguerite of Valois), the Saint Bartholomew Massacre, and survived all his plotting royal brothers-in-law (Valois Francis II, Charles IX, Henry III) to become king and found the famous Bourbon dynasty.  Wow. Once king, he stopped the religious wars and, with the help of Sully, began to rebuild the country with a combination of force and conciliation. Once he entered Paris, he transformed it from a medieval city ravaged by war to one of the great European capitals. One of France's greatest kings, he also has a reputation for having had the most mistresses and many of his passionate love letters to Gabrielle d'Estrees, whom he wished to marry after ridding himself of Marguerite, still survive. She died suddenly and he married Marie de Medici, mother of Louis XIII. In the end, he was assassinated by a madman. Louis XIII had a stutter, spoke little, but what he did say gained him the title of "The Just." Better known perhaps than Louis XIII are his minister, Cardinal Richelieu, and his son, Louis XIV, born to Anne of Austria 23 years after their marriage. All their fascinating stories are here. Just select any title to see details and ordering information.

Henry IV (1589-1610) and Margaret of Valois and Maria de Medici

Louis XIII (1610-1643) and Anne of Austria

Go to:

• Louis XIV

• Bookstore Directory for other periods.

Add French-Luxury to your favorites