A Popular History of France from the Earliest Times, Volume 2

"A Popular History of France from the Earliest Times, Volume 2" by François Guizot is a historical record exploring France's journey through pivotal epochs like the Crusades and the rise of its monarchy. The story uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of Christian forces as they seize Jerusalem in 1099, later facing formidable Muslim leaders like Saladin, and portrays iconic personas such as Godfrey de Bouillon, Louis VII, and Richard Coeur de Lion, emphasizing the significant losses and disillusionment that occurred during this time. The narrative focuses on the religious passion of the period, highlighting how attempting to regain the Holy Land caused considerable harm and resulting disappointment in Christian Europe, which played a role in shaping France’s future.