Rise and Fall of the Renaissance in France

by Robert J. Knecht

Drawing on more than 40 years of research and combining narrative with analysis, R. J. Knecht describes the rise and fall of France in the sixteenth century clearly and authoritatively.

Genres: History, France, Nonfiction, Renaissance, Historical

546 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2002

About the author

Robert Jean Knecht was Emeritus Professor of French History at the University of Birmingham, where he has taught since 1956. A fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a member of the Société de l'Histoire de France, Professor Knecht was Reviews Editor of the journal French History and was a member of its editorial board. He was also Chairman of the Society for Renaissance Studies and Chairman of the Society for French History. He was also a member of the Advisory Board of the Centre for the Study of the Renaissance at the University of Warwick. He has also published extensively in the field of French history, his principal work being on the reign of Francis I.

Reviews

[Jonathan]

France in the 15th century changed beyond all recognition as a result of improved administration, steady growth and a series of effective kings, give or take a Louis or two. A very detailed political narrative, this book is a refreshing return to history as it should be taught. And a great, if somewhat dense, read as well.

[Lynda]

Perhaps the best of the books that I have studied on renaissance France. Highly recommended if you are interested in that period.

[Kevin Christiansen]

An enjoyable read.

[Elena]

What irritates me most about this book is seeing Knecht’s stupid and outdated assumptions about king Henri IV, Marguerite de Valois and some others being uncritically repeated in other books. This shows how anecdotal images keep being reproduced in books. Only few bother checking primary sources.

[Tony Gualtieri]

An excellent history of a fascinating slice of French history.

[Aidan Checkett]

Really well done and surprisingly engaging. Especially enjoyed the surveys of literature/religion/art throughout the period.