For the first time, this volume brings together the history of the royal spare in the monarchy of early modern France, those younger brothers of kings known simply as 'Monsieur'.

Jonathan Spangler is a specialist in the history of monarchy, nobility and the court of France. His research into the enduring power of the Lorraine-Guise family has been published as The Society of Princes (2009) and Aspiration, Memory and Representation (2015). He teaches history at Manchester Metropolitan University and is Senior Editor of The Court Historian .

Prologue: an overly powerful younger brother

Introduction

1. The evolution of fraternal relations and the institution of the apanage

2. Parentage, birth, education

3. Getting established: apanage, marriage and family

4. Expressions of authority and rebellion, at home and abroad

5. Beyond politics: the household and princely patronage

Epilogue: the last Monsieur