Description

This is a definitive study of Charles the Bold’s diplomatic and military relations with the Italian states, taking full account of economic policy. The book makes extensive use not only of the great mass of diplomatic correspondence in the archives of Florence, Mantua, Milan, Modena and Venice, but also of Charles’ financial records in the archives of Brussels and Lille. The author’s mastery of these primary sources is complemented by judicious use of a wide range of secondary material. Aspects of Charles the Bold’s relations with Italy have been considered in earlier literature, but no study has before dealt with them comprehensively at any length. This book fills that gap and places Charles’ reign in its wider European context. List of Abbreviations List of Illustrations Maps Editorial Preface by Cecil H. Clough Introduction 1. AIMS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF CHARLES THE BOLD’S RELATIONS WITH ITALY Italy in Charles’s diplomatic strategy: the quest for security against Louis XI Italy in Charles’s diplomatic strategy: the rise and fall of Burgundian influence The material value of the Italian alliances: provisions The material value of the Italian alliances: fulfilment Charles the Bold’s territorial ambitions in Italy 2. CHARLES THE BOLD AND THE PAPACY Relations with the papacy as an Italian temporal power Papal dispensations and Charles the Bold’s marital policy Papal mediation in disputes Church and state The papal alum monopoly in the Burgundian Low Countries The search for friends at the papal court 3. RELATIONS WITH FLORENCE AND THE ACTIVITIES OF TOMMASO PORTINARI Tommaso Portinari’s career before the accession of Charles the Bold Portinari’s position at the court Portinari’s business connection with the court Portinari’s loans to Charles the Bold The economic consequences for the Medici bank Diplomatic relations with the republic of Florencee 4. THE ITALIAN MILIEU AT COURT The position and functions of the Italians at court Some personal characteristics Factions The dispersal of the Italians from the court 5. DIPLOMATS AND DIPLOMACY The Italian ambassadors: Naples The Italian ambassadors: Venice The Italian ambassadors: Milan The Italian ambassadors: Rome Some general characteristics, personal and professional The ambassador and the ruler Functions at court Daily life Similarities and contrasts between Burgundian and Italian diplomatic techniques 6. ITALIAN PRINCES AT THE BURGUNDIAN COURT Francesco d’Este (ca. 1429–post 20 July 1486) Rodolfo Gonzaga (1451/2–1495) Federico d’Aragona (1451/2–1504) 7. ITALIAN TROOPS IN CHARLES THE BOLD’S ARMY Charles the Bold’s motives for recruiting Italian troops Chronology of recruitment Numbers Some personal characteristics Military value Loyalty: the case of the count of Campobasso Italian military influence on Charles the Bold Conclusion Bibliography Postscript: Bibliographical Supplement by Werner Paravicini Index