The Deeds of Philip Augustus: An English Translation of Rigord's "Gesta Philippi Augusti"

The first full English translation of Rigord's Gesta Philippi Augusti, The Deeds of Philip Augustus, is an important narrative account of the reign of King Philip II of France (r. 1180–1223). It covers events such as his expulsion of the Jews, departure on the Third Crusade, governmental innovations, and victory over King John of England. Rigord's chronicle transformed contemporary writing about the nature of French royal power, and the translation is presented in a lively and readable format with annotations, maps, and illustrations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2022
Publisher: Cornell University Press

The Deeds of Philip Augustus, the first complete English translation of Rigord's Gesta Philippi Augusti, presents an essential narrative account of King Philip II of France's reign (r. 1180–1223). This critical source provides valuable insights into the development of the medieval French monarchy and offers a captivating window into various aspects of the broader twelfth century. Rigord, the author of the chronicle, wrote it in Latin, covering the first two-thirds of Philip II's reign, including significant events such as the expulsion of the Jews in 1182, his departure on the Third Crusade in 1190, his governmental innovations, and his victory over King John of England. As Philip II reshaped French royal power, Rigord also transformed contemporary writing about the nature of that power. Presented in a lively and accessible translation accompanied by an introduction that contextualizes the text, annotations, maps, and illustrations, The Deeds of Philip Augustus makes one of the most significant documents of twelfth-century France accessible to a wide new readership.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501763151