Pictures of the old French court : $b Jeanne de Bourbon, Isabeau de Bavière, Anne de Bretagne

"Pictures of the Old French Court" by Catherine Bearne is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the lives and reigns of several significant figures in French history, particularly focusing on queens like Jeanne de Bourbon, Isabeau de Bavière, and Anne de Bretagne, during the fascinating yet turbulent periods of the late 14th to early 16th centuries. The narrative aims to shed light on court life, political intrigues, and the societal conditions of France during these centuries, with detailed biographies of each queen serving as a core component. At the start of the book, the author establishes a context for the historical period, discussing the early life and background of Jeanne de Bourbon, the daughter of Pierre, Duc de Bourbon. It depicts her betrothal to various nobles and eventually her marriage to the heir of France, Charles, Dauphin of France. The opening details the mixture of personal joys and national calamities she experiences, particularly highlighting events like the Hundred Years' War and the various family connections that defined court politics and alliances during her lifetime. This introduction not only sets the stage for Jeanne's story but also hints at the dramatic historical events that shaped the lives of these figures in the royal court.