The Talbot Shrewsbury Book

Not all illuminated books in the Medieval era were religious in nature.  Wealthy nobles could afford to have hand-painted volumes dedicated to a variety of subjects, hunting warfare, poetry and romantic stories.  Even better yet, the seriously wealthy could commission a hand-painted manuscript and present it as a gift, often as a commemorative of an important event.  John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury was one such wealthy nobleman.  And, his gift was a commemorative book created in Rouen, France and presented to Margaret of Anjou, a French princess who was betrothed to King Henry VI in 1444. 

The Talbot Shrewsbury Book isn't about religious topics.  Instead, it covers many subjects, all of which would be pertinent as a commemorative volume as well as a source book of useful knowledge for Margaret.  The volume contains 15 different documents, in French.  The first several pieces are songs known as chansons de geste, basically dealing with love or chivalrous deeds.  In addition to the poems were chronicles of important military leaders such as Charlemagne and Alexander the Great.  Brief treatises on chivalry and warfare are next, followed by the statutes of the Order of the Garter.  One of the illustrations is a genealogical table, showing Margaret's descent from Louis IX of France, known as St. Louis, as well as the connections by descent or marriage of the houses of Capet, Anjou and Plantagenet.  There are several illustrations in the book, including Edward II and Isabella of France, as well as Katherine of Valois and Henry V, Henry IV and Margaret, herself.  Current Plantagenet relatives were featured, such as Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester and John, Duke of Bedford, uncles of Henry VI.  Even Joan of Arc, Bedford's bitter enemy, is featured in an illustration.

The book remained in royal hands long after Margaret's death, being mentioned in inventories of royal libraries during the reigns of Henry VIII and Charles II.  In is currently in the royal collection in the British Library in London.