Anne of France: Lessons for my Daughter

Library of Medieval Women

by Anne of France, Sharon L. Jansen

Anne of France (1461-1522), daughter of Louis XI and sister of Charles VIII, was one of the most powerful women of her time. As the fifteenth century drew to a close, Anne composed a series of enseignements, "lessons", for her daughter Suzanne of Bourbon. These instructions represent a distillation of a lifetime's experience, and are presented through the portrait of an ideal princess to help her negotiate the difficult passage of a woman in the world of politics. The lessons are here translated into English for the first time and accompanied by full introduction, commentary and notes. Professor Sharon L. Jansen teaches in the Department of English, Pacific Lutheran University.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medieval, Medieval History, History

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

Anne of France (or Anne de Beaujeu) was the eldest daughter of Louis XI of France and his second wife, Charlotte of Savoy. Anne was the sister of King Charles VIII of France, for whom she acted as regent during his minority. As regent, Anne was one of the most powerful women of the late fifteenth century and was referred to as Madame la Grand. She was married to Peter II, Duke of Bourbon.

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting 'lessons' from one of the most powerful women of the 15th century to her daughter. The introduction talks more about the life and Anne of France, as well as the intellectual climate that she was a part of, which gave a really succinct context before reading the lessons themselves. Furthermore, the interpretive essay at the end shares some interesting parallels with 'The Prince' and highlights different perspectives on how the 'lessons' could be read. Very good footnotes and bibliography too.

[Susan Abernethy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Link to my review of this book:

http://flhwnotesandreviews.com/2015/0...

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting look into the mind of one of the most powerful women of the early modern period, via a treatise she wrote for her only child. Even though it's been roughly 500 years since Anne of Beaujeu's death, her words still resonate with meaning even in this modern day.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad I found and read this. It's amazing how many of the lessons and advice could be used today.

[Cherie Nef · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering that this book was written 500 years ago, it has some valid advice.