The Burgundians cover art

The Burgundians

A Vanished Empire: A History of 1111 Years and One Day

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The Burgundians

By: Bart van Loo, Nancy Forest-Flier - translator
Narrated by: Nigel Patterson
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About this listen

At the end of the fifteenth century, Burgundy was extinguished as an independent state. It had been a fabulously wealthy, turbulent region situated between France and Germany, with close links to the English kingdom. Torn apart by the dynastic struggles of early modern Europe, this extraordinary realm vanished from the map. But it became the cradle of what we now know as the Low Countries, modern Belgium and the Netherlands.

This is the story of a thousand years, a must-listen narrative history of ambitious aristocrats, family dysfunction, treachery, savage battles, luxury, and madness. It is about the decline of knightly ideals and the awakening of individualism and of cities, the struggle for dominance in the heart of northern Europe, bloody military campaigns, and fatally bad marriages. It is also a remarkable cultural history, of great art and architecture and music emerging despite the violence and the chaos of the tension between rival dynasties.

©2019 Bart Van Loo (P)2023 Tantor Europe France Medieval Military Western Europe Imperialism Royalty

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All stars
Most relevant  
The author really managed to create a lively depiction of the historic characters involved, including the ‘word on the street’. It gave an insight I didn’t expect and provoked a need to visit the area described with all these places that were the background of these politics, business and personal drama.

The narrator did surely his best with the dutch pronunciation but there is room for improvement. For a native dutch it is a lot of stumbling to disregard. But a very good narration otherwise!

Most enjoyable history

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this book made sense of so many things, I found it fascinating and look forward to reading more such ambitious works

the depth of detail skilfully conveyed

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When the English think of Burgundy they think of wine and food and not the impact the area has had on European history. This book brings that to history to life. I learnt a great deal and I am now looking to visit Bruges, Ghent, Michelin and Dijon to see where the Dukes and their peoples lived.

Excellent history

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I had, over the years, read about the Dukes of Burgundy as they crossed the paths of other historical figures. This is the first work I have come across that tells the history of this influential dynasty. The book is well-written, extremely interesting and very well-read.

An important work

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Interesting on the history of the "Low Countries" & the various little known (to me) aspects of it's development from the Burgundian perspective.
I would have liked more from the perspective of the Burghers, Artisans & Peasants of the North instead of the savage misnamed Dukes. "Good"? I think not!
Vive le & la Ghentenars!

The Burgundian Perspective on W.European History

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A brilliant insight into the complex and rich history of Burgundy which included so many today’s states. Detailed, comprehensive and with a wonderful sense of humour.

Excellent research

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a good narrative history, somewhat compromised by the arthurs frequent divergence into way too much info about art, and a somewhat Christian bias.

decent history

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Reads like an exciting novel. Excellent stuff. He really brings the era to life

superb Read

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How The traitor Charles the bold and his heirs ruined the chances of many in these provinces.

hopeless adventure

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An interesting story spoilt by too many rambling diversions. The story was not about Bugundy but the low countries. Did not finish.

Disappointing

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