Phoenix, 2001, $21.95, ISBN 1-84212-411-0, 464 pgs., trade paperback

Published back in 1971, this 30+ year-old book offers a brilliant portrait of a ruler determined to revive France in the mid-1400s. Spurned by his father and beset by England, the Church, and a potpourri of powerful dukes, princes, and other nobles, Louis perseveres to flatter, bribe, and over-awe them all.

Kendall weaves a colorful tale of how an ugly, porcine kid devoted himself to learning the ruthless art of political machinations. The dealing, double dealing, and triple dealing sharpened his already devious mind as he planned, plotted, and schemed across a battleground of ever-shifting allegiances. And yet, Kendall offers anecdotes of comedy to show a different side of the king. Louis evidently enjoyed pulling practical jokes on various nobles and envoys.

Kendall spent 13 years researching and writing this book, and it shows with depth and detail. Although certainly sympathetic, at heart and by necessity, Louis remained a pudgy spider sitting the middle of a web of relationships. It's a fascinating biography of an oft-ignored king, and well worth the read.