Froissart, Jean

Froissart, Jean
born 1333?, Valenciennes, Brabant
died 1400/01, Chimay, Hainaut

French court historian and poet.

As a scholar Froissart traveled widely and lived among the nobility of several European courts. His Chronicles, a firsthand narrative covering the Hundred Years' War from 1325 to 1400, including events in Flanders, Spain, Portugal, France, and England, is the most important and detailed document of feudal times and the best contemporary exposition of chivalric and courtly ideals. He also wrote ballades, rondeaux, and allegorical poetry celebrating courtly love.

Jean Froissart (seated), writing his Chroniques, miniature from a mid-15th-century ...

Courtesy of the Bibliotheque de l'Arsenal, Paris; photograph, Studio STA Photo

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▪ French poet and historian
born 1333?, Valenciennes, Brabant
died c. 1400, Chimay, Hainaut

      medieval poet and court historian whose Chronicles of the 14th century remain the most important and detailed document (chronicle) of feudal times in Europe and the best contemporary exposition of chivalric and courtly ideals.

      As a scholar, Froissart lived among the nobility of several European courts. In England he served Queen Philippa of Hainaut, King Edward III, and his sons the Black Prince and the Duke of Clarence. He became the chaplain of Guy II de Chatillon, comte de Blois, under whose auspices he was ordained canon of Chimay. He travelled to Scotland, Italy, France, and the Iberian Peninsula.

 The main subject of Froissart's Chronicles was the “honourable adventures and feats of arms” of the Hundred Years' War. He used his privileged position to question central figures and observe key events. The firsthand narrative covers weddings, funerals, and great battles from 1325 to 1400. Book I was based on the work of the Flemish writer Jean Le Bel and later rewritten. Book II concerns the events in Flanders and the Peace of Tournai. Book III concerns Spain and Portugal. Book IV is based on the Battle of Poitiers and a final visit to England, where he was shocked by the weakness of the royal government.

      Froissart cites exact dialogues and all available facts, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. The splendour and pageantry are emphasized, however, according to the courtly traditions of his patrons, while the victims and causes of suffering are overlooked. A didactic moral tone urges readers to aspire to the ideals of chivalry. While the Chronicles contain historical errors and lapses of judgment, they are the best information available to modern readers interested in the 14th century.

      Froissart's allegorical poetry celebrates courtly love. L'Horloge amoureux compares the heart to a clock, and Méliador is a chivalrous romance. His ballades and rondeaux expose the poet's personal feelings. Despite his fame during his lifetime, Froissart apparently died in obscurity.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Froissart, Jean — • Biography of the French historian and poet Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006 …   Catholic encyclopedia

  • Froissart, Jean — (ca. 1337–ca. 1404)    Jean Froissart was a courtier and poet in the tradition of Guillaume de MACHAUT, but is best known as perhaps the most important prose writer in 14th century Europe.His Chroniques, or Chronicles, present a vivid and… …   Encyclopedia of medieval literature

  • Froissart, Jean — (¿1333?, Valenciennes, Brabante, Francia–1400/01, Chimay, Hainaut). Historiador y poeta cortesano francés. Froissart viajó profusamente en su calidad de erudito, y vivió entre la nobleza de diversas cortes europeas. Sus Crónicas, una narrativa de …   Enciclopedia Universal

  • Froissart, Jean — (c.1335–c.1405)    Historian.    Froissart was born in Valenciennes, France, but at an early age visited the English court. Queen Philippa, wife of King Edward III, was his patron and with her encouragement he travelled throughout Europe… …   Who’s Who in Christianity

  • Froissart,Jean — Frois·sart (froiʹsärt , frwä särʹ), Jean. 1333? 1405?. French historian noted for his vivid accounts of Europe during the Hundred Years War. * * * …   Universalium

  • FROISSART, JEAN —    a French chronicler and poet, born at Valenciennes; visited England in the reign of Edward III., at whose Court, and particularly with the Queen, he became a great favourite for his tales of chivalry, and whence he was sent to Scotland to… …   The Nuttall Encyclopaedia

  • Jean Froissard — Jean Froissart (* um 1337 in Valenciennes; † um 1405 vermutlich in Chimay/Belgien) war ein französischsprachiger Dichter und Chronist. Sein Hauptwerk ist eine umfangreiche Chronik der ersten Hälfte des Hundertjährigen Krieges (1337 1458) zwischen …   Deutsch Wikipedia

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  • Jean Froissart — (* um 1337 in Valenciennes; † um 1405 vermutlich in Chimay/Belgien) war ein französischsprachiger Dichter und Chronist. Sein Hauptwerk ist eine umfangreiche Chronik der ersten Hälfte des Hundertjährigen Krieges (1337–1453) zwischen den Kronen… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Jean Froissart —     Jean Froissart     † Catholic Encyclopedia ► Jean Froissart     French historian and poet, b. at Valenciennes, about 1337, d. at Chimay 1337 early in the fifteenth century. The exact dates of his birth and death are unknown, as well as the… …   Catholic encyclopedia

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