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French king Louis IX spotlighted in the new issue of Medieval World

Issue 6 of Medieval World: Culture & Conflict looks at King Louis IX of France (r. 1226–1270) – “the most Christian king”.

King Louis IX was a fascinating figure of the Middle Ages. During his long reign – guided initially by his remarkable mother Blanche of Castille – Louis instituted new reforms, expanded his kingdom, nurtured diplomatic relations at home and abroad, led two crusades, fervently promoted the Christian faith, and was a keen patron of the arts. Not all of his endeavors were successful, but each contributed to his growing reputation as “the most Christian king”. The papacy even formally canonized him as a saint in 1297 – the only such honor bestowed upon a French ruler.

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King, crusader, patron, and saint, Louis IX lived a full life marked by notable cultural achievements and devastating conflicts. Read all about Louis in this beautifully illustrated issue, featuring expert insight, maps, artistic recreations, as well as objects and monuments from his time. He was certainly an avid patron of the arts. His royal chapel in the heart of Paris – the Sainte-Chapelle – is a jewel of Gothic architecture that he commissioned to house the most holy of Christian relics.

The theme-related articles in the current issue include:

  • M. Cecilia Gaposchkin, “‘The most Christian king’: The World of Louis IX”
  • William E. Welsh, “Disaster in the Delta: Louis’ Seventh Crusade”
  • Nicholas Morton, “Louis and the Mongols: Eurasian Geopolitics and the Tides of War and Diplomacy”
  • Sean L. Field, “Louis IX’s Large Family: Powerful Women of the Capetian Court”
  • Lindy Grant, “Blanche of Castile: The Mother of Louis IX”

In addition to the theme-related content, this issue features articles on the late-sixteenth-century Imjin War, the English campaign of 1014, the Dragon of Wawel Hill, the equipment and battle tactics of Dracula’s men, and much more. Finally, check out the news section about discoveries in the field, explore the theme-focused publications, and maybe even try our featured recipe:

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  • Marvin G. Haynes, “Bloody Waters: The Imjin War at Sea, 1592-1598”
  • Robert Jones, “Heraldic Roots: Origins and Early Development”
  • Magdalena Lanuszka, “Wawel Hill: The Real ‘House of the Dragon'”
  • Andrew G. Ralston, “‘A stately edifice of large extent’: Glasgow’s Medieval Cathedral”
  • Brandon M. Bender, “Æthelred versus Cnut: The English Campaigns of 1014”
  • Manon Henzen, “Blanc Manger: Chicken pudding anyone?”
  • Adrian Gheorghe, “Dracula’s Men: The Equipment and Tactics of Wallachian Soldiers”

The cover features a detail of a polychrome sculpture of Louis IX from the early fourteenth century. It comes from the church of Saint-Pierre de Mainneville at the château de Mainneville (Eure), which was the property of the main minister of Philippe IV, Enguerran de Marigny. The sculpture was exhibited at the Conciergerie in Paris in 2014, on the occasion of the 800-year anniversary of the birth of Saint Louis.

In celebration of the recent International Congress on Medieval Studies, all subscriptions to the magazine are 15% off through the end of May with code kzoo23 at checkout: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/pages/subscribe-or-renew-medieval-world

For more details about the magazine, and to subscribe, visit: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/medieval-world-6

For contributions and suggestions, contact the editor: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/pages/contact-medieval-world

Twitter: @MedievalWorldCC
Facebook: @MedievalWorldMag

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