The birth of and ideology : myths and symbols of nation in late-medieval France

The "nation" of France, like the idea of nationhood itself, exists in the mind. And it is toward the products of the mind that Beaune directs her exciting new investigation of the origins of national feeling in late-medieval France. While most historians have concentrated on the same elements that formed the French state - historical events, personalities, or geography - Beaune looks at the myths, religious and secular symbols, and shared beliefs that set the people of late-medieval France to thinking of themselves as a nation.

The "nation" of France, like the idea of nationhood itself, exists in the mind. And it is toward the products of the mind that Beaune directs her exciting new investigation of the origins of national feeling in late-medieval France. While most historians have concentrated on the same elements that formed the French state—historical events, personalities, or geography—Beaune looks at the myths, religious and secular symbols, and shared beliefs that set the people of late-medieval France to thinking of themselves as a nation.

Contents Translator’s Note General Introduction Part I Introduction 1 Saint Denis 2 Saint Clovis 3 Saint Louis 5 Saint Michael Part II Introduction 6 The Most Christian King and Nation 7 The Lilies of France 8 The Political Uses of the Trojan Myth 9 The Salic Law: First Law of the French People 10 Language and Culture 11 France and the French Conclusion Notes