The Burgundians

The Burgundians by Bart Van Loo is a brilliantly woven tapestry of history that brings to life the story of the great dynasty of the Netherlands during the Middle Ages. This masterful exploration delves deep into the fabric of a realm that was fabulously wealthy and filled with turbulent affairs, set between the mighty kingdoms of France and Germany and maintaining close ties with England.

As the fifteenth century drew to a close, the independent state of Burgundy was extinguished, splintered by the dynastic struggles that reshaped early modern Europe. This spellbinding narrative recounts how the region, despite its eventual disappearance from the map, became the cradle of the Low Countries, which we now recognise as modern Belgium and the Netherlands.

Van Loo's history is not just a dry recounting of events but a vivid story spanning a thousand years. Through his compelling prose, readers are thrust into a world of ambitious aristocrats embroiled in family dysfunction and treachery, savage battles fought with knightly fury, and the tantalising luxuries and indulgences of a dazzlingly rich duchy. The decline of chivalric ideals gives way to the rise of individualism and the burgeoning growth of cities, all set against the backdrop of intense northern European power struggles.

The book delves into bloody military campaigns and the strategic but often fatally flawed marriages that shaped the destiny of nations. Yet, amidst the chaos, Van Loo provides a remarkable cultural history, showcasing the development of extraordinary art, architecture, and music that blossomed despite—and sometimes because of—the violence and tension among rival dynasties.

The Times, Books of the Year describes The Burgundians as "a sumptuous feast of a book," while the Sunday Times praises it as "thrillingly colourful and entertaining." Simon Sebag Montefiore calls it "a thrilling narrative of the brutal, dazzlingly rich, wildly ambitious duchy," and De Morgen hails it as "a masterpiece." The Daily Telegraph awards it 5 stars, and Le Soir lauds it as "a history book that reads like a thriller."

Whether you're an avid historian or simply someone captivated by the extraordinary tales of the past, The Burgundians offers a rich, enthralling journey into the heart of medieval Europe. Van Loo's skillful storytelling ensures that this is not just a history book, but a gripping, unforgettable narrative.