Season 4 | 1. A Simple Man

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This is History: A Dynasty to Die For

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What happens when you make a nine-year-old boy king of England? It turns out, it’s a recipe for unscrupulous advisers and a king unlike any the nation has ever known. Henry III is the opposite of his cruel father: he is compassionate and pious, but he’s also indecisive and easily manipulated. When trouble brews in Plantagenet lands in France, Henry’s brother, the wily and calculating Richard, is sent to assert the Plantagenet authority. It’s a decision that Henry and his advisors will come to sorely regret. .  A Sony Music Entertainment production.  Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts  To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email [email protected]  Learn more about your ad choices.  Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  Written and presented by Dan Jones Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills Executive  Producer - Louisa Field Production Manager - Jen Mistri  Composer -  Matt Acheson  Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Season 4 | 1. A Simple Man

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For

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This is History: A Dynasty to Die For

In this gripping new special series from This Is History Presents, acclaimed historian Danièle Cybulskie unravels a tale of dazzling triumph and devastating collapse — the rise and fall of Charles VI of France, better known as Charles the Mad. It’s 1389. France is finally breathing after decades of war. A young king ascends the throne — charming, beloved, and burning with promise. He’s married for love. The people adore him. The future is his. But then… he breaks. Charles becomes convinced his body is made of glass. He refuses to be touched. He hides from the world. And as his mind fractures, so does his kingdom — spiraling into chaos, betrayal, and a ruthless power struggle that will decide the fate of France. Who will seize control? Who will fall? And who will blink first? This Is History Presents: The Glass King is a story of ambition, delusion, and the terrifying fragility of power. Want to go deeper? Join our Patreon court as a This Is History Royal Favourite — where you’ll get behind-the-scenes insights, medieval travel tips, and the chance to shape future episodes. We’d love to have you: patreon.com/thisishistory A Sony Music Entertainment production. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email [email protected]