Jean Froissart

Date of Birth: c. 1337

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: c. 1405

Biography

Jean Froissart was a medieval French-speaking historian and poet, renowned for his chronicles that provide a vivid account of the events of the Hundred Years’ War. Born in Valenciennes, in the County of Hainaut, Froissart was initially a clerk and then a priest, which allowed him to travel extensively across Europe. His travels took him to England, Scotland, France, Spain, and Italy, where he gathered information from nobility and participants in the war. His work is considered one of the most important contemporary sources for the study of 14th-century European history. Froissart’s Chronicles cover the period from 1322 to 1400 and are celebrated for their detailed portrayal of chivalric culture, battles, and political intrigues of the time.

5 Interesting Facts about Jean Froissart

1. Froissart’s Chronicles are divided into four volumes and cover almost 80 years of historical events.

2. He served as a clerk to Queen Philippa of Hainault, wife of King Edward III of England.

3. Froissart is known for his embellished and romanticized style of writing, which has attracted both admiration and criticism.

4. He was also a poet and wrote several romances, pastorals, and allegorical works aside from his historical chronicles.

5. Froissart’s work influenced many later historians and his chronicles were used as a primary source by Shakespeare in his history plays.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jean Froissart

1. “This is the way of the world. One man has more of one thing than he needs, another has less.”

2. “When things are going well, people tend to believe they will always go well.”

3. “The English are great lovers of themselves and of everything belonging to them.”

4. “Noble deeds that are concealed from the public are as if they had never been done.”

5. “War is a scourge of God. It is only the wise who can see through the glamour of it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a medieval historian, Jean Froissart’s exact net worth is unknown, but he was well-regarded and supported by nobility, which provided him with a comfortable life.