Jehan de Wavrin - Anchiennes Cronicques d'Engleterre - 1858

3 volumes in-4 demi basane, 341; 409; 430 pages.

External wear, cool interior (some foxing at the beginning and end of the book).


The Ancient Chronicles of England by Jehan de Wavrin are a major historiographical work from the late Middle Ages, particularly important for the history of England and Anglo-Burgundian relations.

Jean de Wavrin (c. 1400–1475) was a Burgundian noble, soldier, and chronicler. He served the Dukes of Burgundy and participated in the wars opposing France and England, notably during the Hundred Years' War. His personal experience directly informs his work as a historian.

Period covered: from the legendary origins of England to the reign of Edward IV (15th century).

Structure: a multi-volume compilation, blending ancient sources, earlier chronicles, and contemporary testimonies.

Content

History of the Kings of England, from mythical times (Brutus of Troy)

Norman conquest and medieval dynasties

Wars between France and England

Detailed accounts of 15th-century events, particularly:

the Hundred Years' War

The English dynastic conflicts (the Wars of the Roses)

Numerous passages from direct observation by Wavrin or from sources close to military and diplomatic circles.

Historical interest

Capital city for English history viewed from the Burgundian perspective.

Valuable testimony on the chivalrous mentality and political culture of the 15th century.

A work less literary than some chronicles, but rich in facts and concrete details.

Transmission and Manuscripts

The work is preserved in several richly illuminated manuscripts, notably at the British Library.

Longtime little known, it has been rediscovered by modern historians.

It is now in the public domain.



3 volumes in-4 demi basane, 341; 409; 430 pages.

External wear, fresh interior (some freckles at the beginning and end).


Jehan de Wavrin’s Ancient Chronicles of England is a major historical work from the late Middle Ages, particularly significant for the history of England and Anglo-Burgundian relations.

Jehan (or Jean) de Wavrin (c. 1400-1475) is a noble Burgundian, military figure, and chronicler. He served the Dukes of Burgundy and fought wars between France and England, including during the Hundred Years War. His personal experience directly informs his work as a historian.

Period covered: from the legendary origins of England to the reign of Edward IV (15th century)

Structure: compilation into several books, mixing old sources, old chronicles, and contemporary testimonies.

Content

History of the kings of England, from mythical times (Brutus of Troy)

Norman conquest and medieval dynasties

Wars between France and England

Detailed accounts of the events of the 15th century, in particular:

The Hundred Years War

English dynastic conflicts (Wars of the Two Roses)

Numerous passages from direct observation of Wavrin or sources close to the military and diplomatic circles.

Historical Interest

Capital source for English history seen from the Burgundian perspective.

Valuable testimony to the chivalrous mentality and political culture of the 15th century.

Less literary work than some chronicles, but rich in facts and concrete details.

Transmission and manuscripts

The work is kept in several richly illuminated manuscripts, including at the British Library.

It was not widely used for a long time, but was rediscovered by modern historians.

It is now in the public domain.