Charles the Bold, Last Duke of Burgundy, 1433-1477

Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, looms large in the turbulent world of fifteenth‑century Europe, a ruler whose ambition to carve out a “middle kingdom” between France and the Holy Roman Empire set the stage for dramatic power struggles. The book follows his rise from a youthful heir to a commander whose daring plans and fierce temperament earned him both admirers and critics. Through the eyes of chroniclers like Philip de Commines, readers glimpse the duke’s relentless drive and the political chessboard of the Low Countries, where his court blended chivalry, art, and intrigue.

The author stitches together a mosaic of contemporary letters, diplomatic reports, and vivid illustrations, offering a textured portrait that feels both scholarly and accessible. By focusing on the early years of Charles’s reign, the narrative reveals how his personality—part visionary, part impetuous—shaped his policies and left a legacy that echoed long after his ambitions fell short. Listeners will come away with a clearer picture of a pivotal figure whose story illuminates the forces that reshaped medieval Europe.