First published in 1984, Henry IV describes and tries to account for Henry’s extraordinary life and reign. The book is accompanied, and the arguments are strengthened by numerous plates and maps.

The life of Henry IV of France was not only dramatic, but it also made a profound difference to the shaping of France in the early 17th century. During his reign, the foundations of the ‘grand siècle’ were laid, not only in military and diplomatic affairs, but also in the arts.

Almost as striking as the personal contribution made by the king, is the remarkable willingness of the French nobility to wreck the whole recovery from forty years of domestic chaos by plotting with the Spaniards. Eventually, of course, one of these plots succeeded; Henry was killed, and the kingdom was plunged for a while into chaos. This book is a must read for students and researchers of French history.