About
Philippe de Commynes, born around 1447 at Renescure and died on 18 October 1511 at Argenton-les-Vallées, was a Flemish chronicler and politician. Orphaned at six, he entered the Burgundian court in 1464, serving Philip the Good and then Charles the Bold. In 1472, he secretly joined Louis XI, becoming his most trusted advisor. After the king's death, he fell into disgrace and wrote his Memoirs, published in 1524. He is regarded as the creator of the historical memoir genre.
* 1447-01-01 — † 1511-10-28
Key milestones
- 1464Entered the court of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy.
- 1472Left Burgundy to join Louis XI, becoming his advisor.
- 1494Sent as ambassador to Venice by Charles VIII.
Themes
politicsdiplomacyhistorymemorypower
Sources: id.loc.gov · britishmuseum.org · oxfordbibliographies.com