Henri IV en Gascogne (1553-1589)

This study opens a window onto the youthful world of Henri IV, tracing the way his Gascon roots and the turbulent politics of Navarre forged the man who would later unite France. Drawing on contemporary letters, royal decrees and rarely‑seen archival material, the author weaves a narrative that feels both scholarly and vivid, letting listeners hear the voices of the era without drowning in jargon. The introduction frames the project as a response to centuries of hagiography, promising a fresh look at the king before his coronation.

The first part follows the lineage of the House of Albret, the fragmentation of the Navarrese realm and the religious upheavals that marked the mid‑sixteenth century. It recounts the prince’s birth, his early education under eight nurses, and his baptism at a time when Calvinism was sweeping the region. By highlighting his exposure to both Catholic and reformist ideas, the book shows how his early environment seeded the famed tolerance and political savvy he later displayed on the national stage.

Listeners will also enjoy the richly illustrated sections, including an etched portrait and a facsimile of one of Henri’s most celebrated letters, which bring the period to life. The narrative stays grounded in the first decades of his life, offering enough detail to satisfy history enthusiasts while remaining accessible to newcomers. It’s an inviting portrait of a future monarch still very much a son of Gascony.