The 'Miroir historial abrege de France' and 'Cest chose profitable': a study of two fifteenth century French historical texts and their context

Thesis

This thesis examines the 'Miroir Historial Abrége de France' and 'Cest chose profitable', two unpublished historical texts composed by an anonymous royal official for King Charles VII of France (1422—1461). It seeks to establish the context in which they were produced, the purposes for which they were cemposed, and the identity of the author(s). Chapter One classifies manuscripts of the 'Miroir Historial' and 'Cest chose profitable' into two groups and five groups, respectively. In each case, the version most representative of the text prepared for Charles VII is identified. A study of surviving manuscripts indicates that 'Cest chose profitable' enjoyed more success than the 'Miroir Historial'.

Chapter Two examines the illustrations accompanying each text. It is probable that the author supervised the illustration in one manuscript of the 'Miroir Historial'.

Chapters Three and Four compare the major themes of the texts and their political context. Similarities in auctorial methods suggest that they are the work of a single author who has interpreted his historical sources to justify contemporary royal policies in France, and the king's relations with the pope, the emperor and the king of England.

Chapter Five proposes Noél de Fribois, royal notaire et secretaire (active 1420—1459), as the author of both texts. It indicates how Fribois's career, and contemporary cultural and professional attitudes to history, are reflected in his texts. It concludes that the audience primarily envisaged for the texts was royal or noble, and that their purpose was chiefly to arouse and maintain support for royal policies among the royal entourage.

The thesis also includes appendices presenting edited extracts and manuscript descriptions, and a volume of photographs.

Authors: Daly, K

• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Subjects: French literature