Saint Louis #221036

<i>Saint Louis</i> by Frederick Perry is a gripping account of one of France's most famous rulers with a period of rule that was replete with trials and tribulations as well as extended peace time and development. Perry puts together all the elements of Louis' multifaceted time on the throne of one of the most powerful kingdoms in Europe. <br><br>Perry's narrative is unlike historical textbook accounts which often have a tendency to be drab. Instead, in <i>Saint Louis</i> the reader will find the style of writing akin to a fiction thriller with just the right dose of drama, adventure and tragedy. Spread across twelve chapters, the book covers the early life of Louis the IXth or Saint Louis as he was more commonly called, and moves on to describe periods of peace and the two crusades he undertook during his reign. Perry also dedicates the latter half of the book to foreign policy, internal affairs and the personal life of the king before concluding with his death. <br><br><i>Saint Louis</i> does not offer a single dull moment in its entirety. However, it is the section on Louis' personal life and the periods of peace that really bring out the true character of this important historical figure. His love for art brought about innovation in the gothic style of architecture, and Louis also worked doggedly for improving the professionalism of the legal administration of his empire. The work contains many illustrations and shields depicting different stages and times in the life of Louis and every chapter has the year indented on the side of each paragraph for the reader to know the exact chronology of events. With a racy narrative and gripping content, this work is not just for students of history but for general readers as well.