Jean Joinville

c.1225-1319. French nobleman and chronicler. Becoming Seneschal of Champagne after his father's death in 1233, he was subsequently active in French court life, and established contacts which enlisted his participation in the Sixth Crusade (1248-54). He joined the assaults on Egypt and Palestine and became a friend of Louis IX during their imprisonment. While at Acre, he composed a credo which reflects medieval piety. Returning to his estates, he followed Louis's career with interest, though he declined the royal invitation to participate in the Crusade of 1270. At the suggestion of Queen Jeanne, wife of Philip the Fair, he composed a discursive but graphic and engaging biography of Louis. It chronicles the Sixth Crusade and captures the spirit of the age.