The Burgundians

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

By: Bart van Loo, Nancy Forest-Flier - translator

Narrated by: Nigel Patterson

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

Fascinating

Often overlooked due to France, England, and the HRE, Burgundy was nearly its own kingdom and this book tells of its rise and fall. I never write reviews, but this book was fascinating, well written, and easy to follow. Add to that Nigel Patterson is one of the best narrators out there this is a must read\listen to anyone with an interest in European history.

Fascinating

A great history of a very interesting and important group of people and places. Art, science, intrigue, romance, war…this book has it all.

Wonderful book!

So much history that I did not know so I found this text extremely gratifying.

A wonderful tale of Burgundy’s pivotal role

This is an engaging account of Burgundy”s rise and fall as a state and how it contributed to the emergence of early modern Europe.

Lovely book and perfectly narrated

Good mix of depth and speed moving forward in the narrative. Author seems really competent

well researched

Over all, I enjoy the book. there were areas that seemed to drag, but that is the way of history.

a fascinating look at an overlooked area of Europe

I've never read anything quite like this. The author is not only a great historian but a great writer. very enjoyable, even for someone who had scant knowledge of burgundian history.

Good flow

I enjoyed the flow of the book focusing on people and connectivity of events vs traditional chronological.

Joan of arc story was a fun addition I wasn’t expecting.

Role of Burgundian in history of the Netherlands

I liked the rich descriptions of the characters and interaction between France and Burgundians and the tug of war between France and England for control of the Netherlands

Different Perspectives of Familiar Stories

This is a fascinating take on the medieval period in Europe, it's like finding new episodes of your favorite show. The narrator is fantastic.