Dear Editor,
In the biographical note about Pierre de Ronsard (March 2005) it's stated that he "was personally known and liked by Henry IV and his family and, subsequently, was named poet royal by Charles IX." May I point out that Ronsard (1524-1585) was indeed close to the Valois king Charles IX who admired his poetry, and subsequently was supported by his brother and successor Henry III, but not by the first Bourbon king of France, Henry IV, who followed him in 1589. Henry IV is rightly considered one of the greatest French kings of all time, but one should be careful not to abuse historical chronology, even if one deals with exceptional monarchs and prominent poets.
In the biographical note about Pierre de Ronsard (March 2005) it's stated that he "was personally known and liked by Henry IV and his family and, subsequently, was named poet royal by Charles IX." May I point out that Ronsard (1524-1585) was indeed close to the Valois king Charles IX who admired his poetry, and subsequently was supported by his brother and successor Henry III, but not by the first Bourbon king of France, Henry IV, who followed him in 1589. Henry IV is rightly considered one of the greatest French kings of all time, but one should be careful not to abuse historical chronology, even if one deals with exceptional monarchs and prominent poets.
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Originally Published: October 30, 2005
Letter to the Editor