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katefinityreads's review
5.0
I loved this. Francis has always been a sideline character in the endless number of books I’ve read on the Tudors, and this was my first attempt at reading a biography about him. I think it was the perfect introduction to his heritage, strengths, weaknesses, and how his subjects perceived him as a ruler. Some reviewers have mentioned that they found it too general, but as I’m just starting out, I found this to be both informative and easy to follow.
Perhaps not surprisingly, I also enjoyed seeing Henry VIII as a cameo. In many ways, he’s Francis’ antagonist--from the wrestling match at the Field of Cloth of Gold, to building Nonsuch in an attempt to make him jealous. It was amusing to read about these events from Francis’ perspective and see how truly ridiculous Henry VIII was. Likewise, it was also touching to read that Francis may have reacted with such grief at the death of his rival, and how Francis himself died shortly thereafter.
Family drama, military campaigns, pageantry, backbiting, chivalry… Frieda explores it all in a way that I found to be highly engaging. When Francis bursts into Henry VIII’s quarters and claims that he’s at his service, you can feel his brazen self-esteem. When Francis is captured as a prisoner of war, you easily sense his shame and humility. There was a lot of emotion in this book, which I think is a hard thing to achieve with nonfiction. I look forward to reading more from Frieda, and learning more about French royalty.
See more of my reviews: Blog // Instagram
Perhaps not surprisingly, I also enjoyed seeing Henry VIII as a cameo. In many ways, he’s Francis’ antagonist--from the wrestling match at the Field of Cloth of Gold, to building Nonsuch in an attempt to make him jealous. It was amusing to read about these events from Francis’ perspective and see how truly ridiculous Henry VIII was. Likewise, it was also touching to read that Francis may have reacted with such grief at the death of his rival, and how Francis himself died shortly thereafter.
Family drama, military campaigns, pageantry, backbiting, chivalry… Frieda explores it all in a way that I found to be highly engaging. When Francis bursts into Henry VIII’s quarters and claims that he’s at his service, you can feel his brazen self-esteem. When Francis is captured as a prisoner of war, you easily sense his shame and humility. There was a lot of emotion in this book, which I think is a hard thing to achieve with nonfiction. I look forward to reading more from Frieda, and learning more about French royalty.
See more of my reviews: Blog // Instagram
caidyn's review
3.0
This review can also be found on my blog!
3.5/5
So, this is basically the first book that I’ve read about Francis I… or medieval/Renaissance French history in general. Never gotten there. Growing up, I had a weird obsession with Marie Antoinette, but I didn’t go this far back. I never have, so this makes it a first for me.
Was this a bad book? No.
It was so easy to read. The writing is so accessible, and I think that’s what helped me get through it. I could easily understand what Frieda was writing about. It was a very book to read and, unlike with most nonfiction, I was able to read it in under a week.
But, at first, it was hard because there was a lot of dynastical things stuck in, so I was confused at first when Frieda was introducing a lot of different historical people to make sense of what was going on or why something was happening. That’s not a bad thing, it was just hard for me to follow and took a lot of concentration for me. Even then, it was hard to track.
The book also really dropped off with my interests. I think that it’s partially because I don’t think that Francis was the maker of modern France. I honestly don’t. Yes, he was a king who did a lot with his throne. Mainly fight battle after battle (and not always win) against the Hapsburg ruler, Charles V.
That’s basically what stands out in his rule for me. His battles and fights. Henry VIII, while at first a threat to him, faded into the distance once he focused on domestic problems… aka his marriages. But, Charles was the constant thorn in his side and I find the relationship they had fascinating.
One day, I think I’ll reread this book when I’m more ready to absorb a ton of new information. Definitely not a bad book, but not the right time for me.
3.5/5
So, this is basically the first book that I’ve read about Francis I… or medieval/Renaissance French history in general. Never gotten there. Growing up, I had a weird obsession with Marie Antoinette, but I didn’t go this far back. I never have, so this makes it a first for me.
Was this a bad book? No.
It was so easy to read. The writing is so accessible, and I think that’s what helped me get through it. I could easily understand what Frieda was writing about. It was a very book to read and, unlike with most nonfiction, I was able to read it in under a week.
But, at first, it was hard because there was a lot of dynastical things stuck in, so I was confused at first when Frieda was introducing a lot of different historical people to make sense of what was going on or why something was happening. That’s not a bad thing, it was just hard for me to follow and took a lot of concentration for me. Even then, it was hard to track.
The book also really dropped off with my interests. I think that it’s partially because I don’t think that Francis was the maker of modern France. I honestly don’t. Yes, he was a king who did a lot with his throne. Mainly fight battle after battle (and not always win) against the Hapsburg ruler, Charles V.
That’s basically what stands out in his rule for me. His battles and fights. Henry VIII, while at first a threat to him, faded into the distance once he focused on domestic problems… aka his marriages. But, Charles was the constant thorn in his side and I find the relationship they had fascinating.
One day, I think I’ll reread this book when I’m more ready to absorb a ton of new information. Definitely not a bad book, but not the right time for me.
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