Froissart, Jean, << frwah SAHR or FROY sahrt, zhahn >> (1337?-after 1404), was a French historian and poet who is best known for his Chronicles (1369-1400?). This four-volume book vividly describes the great events and personalities of western Europe from 1325 to 1400, especially the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) between England and France. Froissart also wrote Meliador (1383-1388), a verse romance on the King Arthur legend. His work is considered the finest literary expression of the idea of chivalry (knightly values) and the aristocratic ways of life during his time.
Froissart was born into a middle-class family in Valenciennes, France. He studied to be a priest but chose to pursue a literary career. From 1361 to 1369, Froissart served as secretary to Queen Philippa of England, wife of King Edward III. He spent the rest of his life writing and traveling through Europe. He became a canon (church official) of Chimay, Belgium, in 1384.
