Who was Marguerite de Navarre?

Marguerite de Navarre was a French Renaissance writer, philosopher, diplomat, and religious reformer. She is best known for her Heptameron, a collection of 72 thematically-linked short stories.

What did Marguerite de Navarre do?

Marguerite de Navarre negotiated the release of her brother King Francis I, helped negotiate treaties, served as mediator between Catholics and Protestants in France, wrote poetry, plays, dialogues, and religious commentary, and was patron to Leonardo da Vinci, among other accomplishments.

Was Marguerite de Navarre Catholic?

Marguerite de Navarre remained a practicing Catholic her entire life although she was sympathetic to, and encouraged, the Reformation in France.

What is Marguerite de Navarre most famous for?

Marguerite de Navarre is best known for her Heptameron, a collection of thematically-linked short stories.

What part did Marguerite de Navarre play in the Protestant Reformation?

Marguerite de Navarre protected and encouraged Protestant preachers and writers in France, preserved their works, and encouraged others elsewhere through correspondence.

Was The Heptameron by Marguerite de Navarre finished?

The Heptameron of Marguerite de Navarre was unfinished at her death in 1549. She wanted to write 100 stories but had only completed 72.

Marguerite de Navarre

Definition

Marguerite de Navarre (l. 1492-1549) was a writer, philosopher, diplomat, and Queen of Navarre, sister of King Francois I (Francis I of France, r. 1515-1547), mother of Jeanne d’Albret (l. 1528-1572) and grandmother of Henry IV of France (l. 1553-1610). She was also a proponent of the Reformation, mediating between Protestants and Catholics in France.

More about: Marguerite de Navarre

Timeline

1492 - 1549
Life of Marguerite de Navarre, writer, philosopher, diplomat, reformer, and Queen of Navarre.
1496
Marguerite de Navarre's father dies; family moves to the court of King Louis XII.
1509
Marguerite de Navarre marries Charles IV, Duke of Alencon.
1515
Marguerite de Navarre's brother, Francois I, becomes King of France.
c. 1520 - 1524
Marguerite de Navarre writes her first literary and religious works.
1525
Marguerite de Navarre's brother, Francois I, is captured and held for ransom by Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire.
1526
Marguerite de Navarre negotiates her brother's release from captivity.
1534
Marguerite de Navarre loses her influence over her brother after the Affair of the Placards.
1539
Marguerite de Navarre inspires Marie Dentiere's A Very Useful Epistle.
1539 - 1549
Marguerite de Navarre continues to write and advocate for religious tolerance and expression until her death.

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