Routledge - The Counts of Laval: History of 15th-16th Century France

Explore the rise and fall of one of the most significant families in late medieval France with The Counts of Laval. Published by Routledge, this historical study examines the Lavals as they ascended to a position of unsurpassed eminence by the mid sixteenth century. This work tracks the family through a period of intense change. At the height of their influence, the Lavals faced significant challenges that threatened their status. The narrative follows how dynastic failure and the religious shifts of the Reformation impacted their legacy. As key members of the family chose to support Protestantism in the middle of the century, their long-standing success faced new risks. Readers will follow the trajectory of a dynasty that reached unrivalled importance only to see its fortunes fall into ruin by the end of the sixteenth century. This book provides a detailed look at the intersection of religion, patronage, and power in fifteenth- and sixteenth-century France, making it a valuable resource for students and historians of European history.